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Edinson Cavani is a wanted man, and some of the biggest clubs in Europe will go head-to-head for his services this summer.
The Uruguayan has hit three consecutive 30-goal seasons for Napoli and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has inserted a €63 million release clause into his contract.
Clubs have been bidding, but the film tycoon is holding out for the full-value fee.
Wayne Veysey of Goal.com has reported that Chelsea's bid of Fernando Torres plus £34.1 million has been knocked back, and now Real Madrid are primed to swoop with a mega-cash bid.
Madrid and Chelsea have both been long-term suitors for the hitman, and that interest leads to the age-old question: Would he fit in at the Santiago Bernabeu?
The simple answer is yes; Cavani would fit almost anywhere in the world, and that's largely down to the complete, comprehensive footballing education Walter Mazzarri gave him during his time at the Partenopei.
The diversity of the system Cavani played in allowed him to learn different positions and tendencies, and he always possessed the hardworking core needed to become a truly standout striker.
Mazzarri would switch formation up to four times each game on occasion, forcing the Uruguayan into new areas each time in an attempt to exploit the oppositions' weaknesses.
In Napoli's home draw with Juventus last season, Mazzarri went from 3-5-2 to 3-4-3 to 4-3-3 (false-nine) to a 4-4-2 midfield diamond—all in the space of 60 minutes.
From this, Cavani has developed the ability to play as an inside forward off the left, a prima punta, a seconda punta or an all-out target man at times.
His ability in the box is astonishing, but he's strong enough to hold the ball or put the team on his back and run; arguably his most exciting characteristic is his ability to drive forward at pace from deep.
Madrid are going to lose Gonzalo Higuain this summer—ESPN have confirmed as much—and will be looking for a blockbuster striker to offset the loss of the Argentine.
"Pipita" was adored by Madridstas for his work-rate, and Cavani can replace that characteristic with ease. He's also clinical, and seems seasoned enough to slot in at the Bernabeu without buckling under the pressure.
Cavani's international record of 13 goals in 49 appearances is the only concern, but Uruguay coaches have always struggled to field he, Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan on the same pitch and make it work for all parties concerned.
He will be valued at Madrid, as he is better than Karim Benzema, and all signs point toward him being worth every penny of the €63 million buyout clause.
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