Report: Chelsea in contact with Napoli over Edinson Cavani

Chelsea's interest in adding an elite centre forward to the squad this summer isn't much less of a secret than the fact that Jose Mourinho is in line to become the Blues' next manager, and one of the mooted targets is Napoli ace Edinson Cavani. And via Gazzetta dello Sport and Tancredi Palmeri, we have more evidence that the club is indeed going after the 26-year-old:

Chelsea have contacted Napoli declaring their interest to sign Cavani,according to tomorrow Gazzetta. It's first official contact for Cavani

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) May 27, 2013

There is a precise request from José Mourinho behind the Chelsea contact for Cavani

— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri) May 27, 2013

With Cavani on a buyout clause, Chelsea could theoretically acquire the Uruguay international whether or not the Partenopei like it, but some negotiations are probably in order to see whether they'd be willing to sell on reduced terms. There's no much reason for that, mind -- Napoli have a lot of cash and have just qualified for the Champions League, and are therefore unlikely to welcome an approach for their best player.

As far as Chelsea goes, Cavani would obviously be an excellent pickup, although it's not entirely clear whether spending €55 million to activate his buyout clause would be a wise move. Should Napoli be willing to part with him for less, it's a move that we can probably get behind wholeheartedly, even if it does delay Romelu Lukaku's arrival. Other teams are also in the bidding for the striker as well, so it won't be an easy buy even if the Blues do stump up the cash. No matter what, though, it's clear that Roman Abramovich and company have big intentions for this offseason.