Fernando Torres has always been a success under Rafael Benitez and the Chelsea striker could soon be following his compatriot who brought him to the Premier League in 2007 to Italy this summer.
The Daily Express reports that Benitez has told Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis that he would be happy if the Serie A club could get Torres, 29, plus cash in exchange for Edinson Cavani.
It was also reported that the Serie A club are ready to part ways with the Uruguayan striker if the asking price of £53 million is met.
“Cavani will leave Napoli this summer,” a source close to Napoli said.
“De Laurentiis now accepts that. But he will only go if a club triggers the release fee- no less.”
On the contrary, Chelsea had intimated Napoli that the price tag for the striker, who has long topped Jose Mourinho’s transfer targets, is outrageous.
Chelsea’s opening £40 million enquiry was even rejected by Napoli last week but a Torres-plus-cash exchange could soon be lined up.
Torres, one of the most decorated players in the present Chelsea squad (alongside Juan Matta), is rated at about £30 million, but De Laurentiis, according to close sources, rates him at £20 million.
If the negotiation puzzle should fall in place; a price review is necessary, for the two clubs to have their desires.
Among the possible replacement for Cavanni are City’s Edin Dzeko, who was once considered bait for the Uruguayan before they dropped out, Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez and now Torres.
“… they need to line up a top-class replacement. But Benitez and De Laurentiis are very close- and Benitez is pushing for the Torres option,” the source revealed.
Meanwhile, Torres had earlier disclosed his desire to remain at Stamford Bridge under the new coach Mourinho, but a possible reunion with ex-Chelsea interim manager could likewise be a welcomed development for the Spaniard.
