A big performance against Chelsea in view of British TV cameras was always going to prompt transfer rumours, and sure enough this morning it’s been claimed that Manchester United are ready to break the bank for Edinson Cavani.‘El Matador’ was impressive as the Ligue 1 champions outplayed the Premier League leaders at the Parc des Princes, and was unfortunate to leave the stadium with just the one goal in the 1-1 draw to his name.As well as the Red Devils, Arsenal are believed to be looking at the £50m marksman ahead of the summer, and we at FFC Towers think he could be a wise addition for either side… so here are FIVE reasons why.
Scorer of goals… and lots of them!
A quick glance through Cavani’s record over the past few seasons illustrates why he’s so highly-rated and has commanded such sizable fees. 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13 really stand out for the Uruguayan, who notched a combined 78 efforts (26, 23 and 29 respectively) in Serie A for Napoli, while also weighing in with even more in cup and European competitions. Such form lured in PSG, and despite not being the ‘main man’ at the Parc des Princes, a tally if 16 in his debut campaign in Ligue 1 – which yielded the title – is a great achievement.
And, he can score all sorts of goals, as this video shows…
Scorer of goals… and lots of them!
As last night showed, Cavani can do it on the very biggest stage. The 28-year-old has been criticised for ‘going missing’ and sulking in French action due to his support role at PSG, but he really came to the fore last night against Chelsea. Cavani ran the show and was unlucky to have not added to his goal against the Blues, which came at a vital time just after the break with his side 1-0 down.
The South American is also among the top scorer in the Champions League this term, showing that he’s doing the business in the biggest competition around.
Bang in form
Building on the last point, Cavani is in top form this season, with his performances in a struggling PSG side impressive. Although not setting the world alight as he has done in previous campaigns, his numbers in the Champions League rank among the competitions top performers and the planet’s best players.
As well as this, his stats are good when compared to Arsenal and Manchester United’s current crop of strikers, which is no mean feat considering that he’s spent the majority of his game time in an unfamiliar role on the flank.
In his peak
https://vine.co/v/OxJ5qPQDZBL/embed/simple
Having just turned 28, Cavani should now be at the very peak of his powers. Typically strikers are at their best in their late 20s, with the age associated with prime physicality, while his knowledge of top leagues and massive competitions means that he has plenty of past experience to call on.
Okay, in a few years we may be looking at talk of Cavani being ‘past it’, but in the short-term world of football an instant impact often brings success.
Could be lured from PSG
Cavani’s future has been the subject of debate through each transfer window since his switch to PSG, with reports having suggested he’s looking for a move, before backtracking and claiming he’s content. But from a ‘no smoke without fire’ stance, there must be some bulk to claims that he could be offloaded before long.
This summer is thought to be the best time to get ‘El Matador’, with the Parisians and the player looking for a fresh start.