Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis revealed Manchester City refused to meet the buy-out clause of £53.6million for striker Edinson Cavani.
City had been keeping a close eye on the prolific frontman but Real Madrid and Chelsea have also made no secret of their desire to try and acquire his services for the new season.
Cavani scored 38 goals for the Serie A club last term, helping them to finish in a Champions League qualification position, just one place behind Scudetto winners Juventus.
De Laurentiis insists that the Citizens have expressed a real interest in the Uruguay international, but are reluctant to part with such a huge amount of cash.
The Premier League side may be concerned over the Financial Fair Play regulations after already splashing out £14.9million on Jesus Navas and £30million on Fernandinho.
The president revealed the ongoing situation with his prized asset during the unveiling of new manager Rafael Benitez, who will be eager to try and retain the former Palermo striker.
De Laurentiis said: “Manchester City have not the money to pay for Cavani, they say, ‘We don’t pay that’.
“The Abu Dhabi [owners] have said they will never spend 63m euros for Cavani. They say, ‘We can give other things’, but they are not in the interest of our club.”
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