It appears that Manchester City’s pursuit of Edinson Cavani may at last be entering the home stretch. The Uruguayan is a long-standing target for Roberto Mancini, who sees the Napoli star as the type of forward needed to galvanise the club’s attempt to wrest the title back from neighbours Manchester United.
Although it’s always the case that money is the major factor in these deals – and let’s face it, in pure brass terms, we’re going to be looking at the £40million to £50million bracket here – the Italian club are also concerned not to be left bereft of a top class striker, as the look to next season to build on the renaissance of the club. Napoli had been linked with Brazilian starlet Leandro, but their modus operandi in apparently approaching the player’s agent without having permission from the club may have scuppered any prospects of a deal. The President of Leandro’s club, Internacional, has said he would not contemplate a deal with Napoli because of the way they conduct business. Whilst there is always a large chunk of posturing about when big money is on the table, it may be that Napoli will need to look elsewhere for a replacement should Cavani leave in the summer. This may leave City in a good position.
Although their bank balance is awash with the oil-funded wealth of their owners, there’s still a measure of financial responsibility to be maintained, especially with Platini’s Financial Fair Play pogrom on the horizon. It may well suit City therefore to offer Dzeko as a makeweight in the deal. Not only would this address Napoli’s requirement not to be left in the lurch, it would also free up a place in the squad for Cavani. There would of course be an issue regarding salary for the Bosnian. It is unlikely that Napoli would be able to match the flamboyant largesse of the Abu Dhabi owners of City, so some measure of compensation would probably be required to persuade the player to up sticks to Italy. Should however the Eastlands club be keen to bring Cavani to Manchester, this surely wouldn’t be the issue that tripped up the process.
It seems that a bid involving Dzeko and a large wedge of dosh may just be the deal that Napoli would accept to allow Cavani to move on to City. For Dzeko, it would continue his Europe-wide whistle stop tour of the top leagues. Having already plied his trade in Germany and England, it is unlikely that a move to Serie A would hold any fears for him. The Bosnian has been a consistent scorer throughout his career, and despite City’s apparent intention to forego his talents, it would be no surprise if he proves to be a more than adequate for the Uruguayan.
Source: DSG
