Manchester City’s chase of Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani has hit stumbling blocks after Napoli boss Rafael Benitez insisted his star man will not leave on the cheap.
Cavani, 26, is widely expected to leave the Serie A club this summer, with the Citizens, Chelsea and Spanish giants Real Madrid all after his signature.
But Benitez – who became Napoli manager last week – believes the Uruguay international will only leave the Stadio San Paolo if his €63million release clause is met.
“We want Cavani to stay at Napoli. We would be really happy if that’s how it works out,” the ex-Liverpool and Chelsea boss told Corriere dello Sport.
“If he leaves then it would only be because someone has matched the release clause or comes up with an irresistible offer.
“Cavani knows how much he is loved and how valuable he is to the city and to the team.”
The in-demand striker has recently been on Confederations Cup duty with his country, scoring against hosts Brazil in their semi-final defeat.
He ended last season as Serie A top scorer with 29 goals as his Napoli side finished as runners-up to champions Juventus and qualified for the Champions League group stage.
Benitez’s comments have been echoed byNapolipresident Aurelio De Laurentiis, who said City’s opening offer for Cavani did not meet their expectations.
“The only meeting I’ve had has been with Manchester City, but the offer was inadequate,” De Laurentiis told the Daily Mail.
“There is no need to have a face to face with Cavani. If a club offers €63million then we would allow him to leave. The release clause will have been activated.
“It’s not fair that Cavani has distractions while he is playing in an important tournament like the Confederations Cup.”
New City boss Manuel Pellegrini has already strengthened his squad with the acquisitions of Spanish winger Jesus Navas and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.
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