Napoli boss Rafael Benitez insists he will do everything to hold on striker Edinson Cavani but realises he will be forced to sell if an “irresistible” offer comes in.
Benitez was handed the job of trying to help the Azzurri challenge for the Scudetto after Walter Mazzarri secured second place last term before deciding to join Inter Milan.
The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss recognises the quality of the Uruguayan who netted 29 league goals last term and believes the club must fight to keep him on their books.
The 53-year-old has not yet had the chance to meet face-to-face with the former Palermo man as he is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Cavani’s exploits on a domestic and international stage have attracted interest from some of Europe’s elite, with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea all vying to try and secure his services.
The only stumbling block may be the £54million buy-out clause in his contract, but Benitez believes they will have to exceed that to sign the 26-year-old.
Benitez said: “We want Cavani to stay at Napoli. We would be really happy if that’s how it works out.
“If he leaves then it would only be because someone has matched the release clause or comes up with an irresistible offer.
“Cavani knows how much he is loved and how valuable he is to the city and to the team.”
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