Manchester United have entered the race to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani who is set to leave the French club. Cavani has fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of Mauro Icardi from Inter Milan.
As per RMC Sport (via Metro), Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on signing the experienced striker to add firepower to his threadbare attack. But, Premier League rivals Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing him, while Atletico Madrid are considered slight favourites in this multipronged race.
Cavani, who has been at the French club since 2013, has scored 198 goals in 290 games for PSG. His current deal expires at the end of the season, which means that he will be available on a free transfer in June. The Uruguayan international has made over 110 appearances, scoring 50 goals for his national side.
Edinson Cavani to Manchester United: Sensible move?
Cavani is a forward who has vast experience of playing in Europe, having plied his trade in the continent for a decade, first with Napoli and then PSG. The 32-year-old striker is a hard-working player who can get into good areas with his clever runs, but also press from the front, aiding his midfield in maintaining their defensive shape.
He is a striker who is physically strong, brushing aside defenders and getting into battles with the opposition, while also being very good in the air. He is a calm and composed figure in front of goal and is a striker who comes alive in the box.
Manchester United need a goalscoring striker to finally replace Romelu Lukaku, who was sold to Inter Milan in the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have used Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, and Mason Greenwood in the striker’s role this season, but none of them have shown enough promise to suggest they can deliver 20+ goals in a season.
Edinson Cavani’s addition to the Manchester United squad could revitalise the team as his experience and work ethic would rub off on the young United attack. The Uruguayan will be a short-term fix to the problem that Manchester United currently have, but it is one that is required.
With his contract expiring in the summer, United would not have to pay a huge transfer fee to sign him, which will give them more funds to strengthen other areas of the pitch. While the interest in him is substantial from different quarters, he is an option Ole will be keen to get on board with the squad lacking experience and leadership in the attack.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored