Benitez wants to keep Cavani at Napoli

Benitez says he needs Cavani not the money

Napoli’s new boss, Rafa Benitez, insisted that he wants Edinson Cavani to stay at the club but admitted that if he does leave it won’t be on the cheap.

Some of the biggest clubs in Europe have targeted Cavani and are willing to pay huge sums of money for his services. The Uruguayan who has a £54million release clause at Napoli has been heavily linked with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Though in the past week Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed that the clause expires on August 10 and hence he may leave for less after the deadline.

Benitez while speaking to Radio Marca said: “Neither me or the president want Cavani to leave because he’s a really important player for us. 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.”

The former Liverpool and Chelsea manager said that if Cavani leaves it will be for the release clause and that they would not accept an offer below £54million.

“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.”

Sorce: Sky Sports