Real Madrid big at 7/1 to steal Cavani from under Chelsea’s noses

Chelsea seem highly likely to bring in at least one new striker this summer, especially if reports of interest from Barcelona for Fernando Torres are to be believed.

They have already been heavily linked with Radamel Falcao, but have lost out in that particular race to Monaco and there is a growing belief that they will be pipped at the post for a second time by Real Madrid for Edinson Cavani.

Chelsea remain the big favourites to land the Napoli striker at 1/2 and there is the belief that they have already had three offers rejected, with a fourth of €40m plus Torres potentially upcoming.

However, after Barcelona’s capture of Neymar, Florentino Perez will surely want to respond with a big-name signing or two of his own, with Cavani, Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale all towards the head of the target list.

It has been indicated that discussions have already taken place between the Spanish giants and representatives of Cavani and it is hard not to be impressed with a striker that has surpassed 30 goals in each of the last three seasons.

Gonzalo Higuain is almost certain to depart the Bernabeu this summer and so there is an attacking slot available in the Real Madrid squad, even if Cristiano Ronaldo is destined to stay for at least one more season.

And there is arguably no striker in world football that is better suited to Real’s counter-attacking philosophy than Cavani.

His stamina is second to none and this workrate in attack will be a big asset in Real’s quest to press the ball in high areas, alongside a willingness to help out from a defensive standpoint to heighten the opportunity of a fast break.

Although former boss Walter Mazzarri was a fan of constant formation tinkering, Napoli have typically been a counter-attacking team foremost and so Real’s system will be one that Cavani is unlikely to take long to adapt into.

Meanwhile, few would argue that he is not better than Karim Benzema and if Real are to challenge a Neymar-inspired Barcelona next season, a new striker could prove valuable to the cause, with Cavani 7/1 to join this summer.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.