Edinson Cavani: Chelsea should heed Gomez example

It will cost 54 million to land Edinson Cavani

Do you believe the hype? 54 million is a lot to spend no matter how rich you are, as Christian Crowther discusses the Edinson Cavani saga....

The list of Edinson Cavani's suitors grows lengthier and more glamorous by the day.

First, it was a battle between Manchester City and Real Madrid's money men, but in the last few days Paris St-Germain have followed Chelsea's lead by throwing their hat firmly into the ring.

The French champions are reportedly ready to blow the 45 million bid from Chelsea out of the water, by offering the full 54 million to activate the Uruguayan's release clause at Napoli.

While reports are only speculative at this point, it does beg the question of whether or not Cavani's services are really worth such an enormous outlay, especially given the five-year contract the player himself is thought to be demanding, which adds about another 8 million into the bargain.

It is becoming clear that Napoli's owner Aurelio De Laurentiis will not budge on the price - as was the case last summer when Paris St-Germain were forced to meet a release clause to sign Ezequiel Lavezzi - so it's a case of all or nothing for Europe's top clubs.

There is no doubt that the man has enormous talent, showcased by his top-scoring exploits in Serie A with 29 goals to help Napoli into the runners-up spot behind Juventus last season.

Nevertheless, when you compare his astronomical price tag with someone like departing Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez, then it puts things into perspective a little.

Gomez has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past three seasons; twice notching over 25 goals in a Bundesliga campaign for Bayern Munich, while hitting 24 for Stuttgart the season before joining the Bavarians.

Now Serie A side Fiorentina look set to snap him up for an absolute bargain fee of around 10 million.

Considering he is only 19 months Cavani's senior and has a far better record at international level, this makes the 54 million get-out clause appear a little unjustified.

One thing's for sure, if Roman Abramovich does agree to meet Napoli's valuation, it will cast further doubt over the future of current record signing Fernando Torres - who is available at 1.654/6 to remain at Stamford Bridge after the window closes.