PSG reject latest Atletico Madrid bid, want €25m for Edinson Cavani — report

Atletico Madrid are reportedly willing to commit €80m all told towards Edinson Cavani, including 2.5 years of wages “in excess of £360k” (before taxes), but it sounds like that may not be enough.

According to L’Equipe (via GFFN), Paris Saint-Germain have knocked back Atleti’s “second formal offer” as well, as the €15m on offer is still some ways shy of their €25m asking price.

So, if you’re keeping track, Atleti’s total commitment might have to be closer to around €90m instead for a 32-year-old striker well past his prime. Cavani may be magnificent, but surely that’s not a wise investment for any team. In fact and to no one’s surprise, the latest reports claim that Atleti may be looking at alternative options in their search for reinforcements.

Does that give Chelsea an opportunity? Maybe, but only if we’re able to work some sort of a short-term loan deal. Otherwise, as much as anyone might rate Cavani, that much money makes no sense at this time.

Other sources still believe that Atleti will eventually get their man, with PSG potentially going after Fernando Llorente as replacement (do they need a replacement?). If that’s true, that could unlock Giroud’s move to Inter, who are also in the Llorente-running. And if that’s true, then Chelsea’s need for Cavani might become more urgent.

Hmmm...