Uruguayan international Edison Cavani is one of the most sought after strikers in world football thesedays with a slew of big name clubs hoping to lure him away from Napoli this summer. Several top sides have revealed an interest in the 26-year old front man, however the list has narrowed down to three cash loaded clubs Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid, all of whom possess the financial resources to make this deal happen.

City and Madrid are in dire need of a new striker, as City’s Carlos Tevez has already left for Juventus and Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain looks set to join Arsenal. Chelsea’s newly appointed manager Jose Mourinho too is looking for attacking reinforcements and is understood to have set his eyes on Cavani. It was also reported by the media a few weeks ago that there were bids from two clubs turned down by Napoli because they simply did not match his release clause.

Napoli’s incoming manager Benitez also spoke on this matter and was reported by Metro as straight forwardly saying that if any club wishes to purchase Cavani, they will have to simply meet his £54 million clause, or else forget about doing any business. He said, “Clearly, there is a clause that you can’t control, but we want him to stay to score many goals and to continue growing with Napoli,”

“Napoli don’t need the money – should he leave, it will be for his clause and it’s a really high sum.”

“I don’t know if he has had any offers, but I know there is a clause and anyone who wants him will have to pay it.”

With Benitez playing hard ball with interested suitors, it looks like he is not in the mood to negotiate on this matter. Do you think that the likes of Chelsea, City or Madrid will be left with no option but to meet Napoli’s hefty asking fee? Or is there any room for bargaining?