Chelsea 'interested in Edinson Cavani' according to Napoli

The Uruguay international is one of the most coveted strikers in Europe

Edinson Cavani (GETTY IMAGES)

During his spell as interim-manager at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were accused of undermining Rafael Benitez with his given job title and lack of support in the face of animosity from fans.

And yet the hierarchy at Chelsea aren't done with the man who delivered them the Europa League, with the Spaniard's new club revealing the Blues are "interested" in snatching away their star striker Edinson Cavani.

Following the appointment of Jose Mourinho, there has been speculation that the 'Special One' wants to do away with £50m man Fernando Torres and bring in a replacement.

Those rumours were given some weight today after Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed Chelsea had made enquiries about Cavani.

"Chelsea are interested in Cavani and they will call me soon," De Laurentiis told Napoli's official radio station Radio Marte from Los Angeles.

"I'm very happy that his brother has said that he will stay, but if he did decide to go to Chelsea we would take time out to think and replace him with people worthy of replacing him."

Uruguayan Cavani was top scorer in Serie A last term, netting 29 goals in 34 appearances as they challenged for the title and finished second behind Juventus.

He is also Napoli's third highest goalscorer with 104 goals in three seasons, 11 behind Diego Maradona, who scored 115 in seven seasons.

Former Chelsea boss Benitez replaced Walter Mazzarri as manager after the latter moved to Inter Milan and will need a bigger squad if he wants to take the club forward and compete domestically and in the Champions League. Losing Cavani would be a major blow to the start of his tenure.