Decision expected on Uruguayan international’s future in next few weeks.
Napoli coach Rafa Benitez has insisted that the club do not want to sell their most prized asset, Edinson Cavani, as speculation continues to suggest an exit is imminent.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a switch to the Premier League this summer, with both Manchester City and Chelsea keen to take him to England, while Real Madrid are believed to be in pole position.
However, recently appointed boss Benitez says that the club are still hopeful that Cavani will stay in Naples next season, and continue to write his name into the history books at the club.
Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has made it clear from the outset that the Uruguayan international will not leave for anything less than the €63m release clause fee in his contract.
It is understood that none of the interested parties have been willing to pay that amount yet, thus leading to suggestions that Cavani will stay in Italy next season.
However, if an offer were to match the release clause fee then Benitez accepts the club must sell, but he believes it would be more beneficial for both parties for the star to remain.
“Neither me or the president want Cavani to leave because he’s a really important player for us,” he told Radio Marca and is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
“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.
“He found success and fame with this team and he can stay for another year with supporters who love him.
“Napoli don’t need the money. Should he leave, it will be for his clause, and it’s a really high sum.
“But our intention is that he will stay. The president’s intention is to strengthen the team and Cavani is our most important player.
“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.”
It remains to be seen whether or not either City or Chelsea can match the clause, but it is believed that Cavani’s future will become clearer in the next few weeks.
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