Over the last couple of years, Uruguayan international Edinson Cavani has been regarded as perhaps one of the world’s most lethal strikers. He has dismantled oppositions’ defenses almost single-handedly, as he has already racked up an impressive 27 league goals this season. There have been a plethora of clubs circling around the 26-year old like hungry sharks, looking to snatch away Napoli’s prized asset.

Arsenal are one of the clubs who have been linked with Cavani of late. The Gunners have struggled to replace the goals scored by Robin van Persie even though new signing Olivier Giroud has been decent in his debut season, some feel that he is not the long-term replacement of the Dutchman. Therefore, there have been calls for signing a new big name striker in the summer.

Arsenal were previously linked to Cavani in January, and unconfirmed reports suggested that Napoli declined a £30 million bid from them in the January transfer window. It looks like Arsenal will now have to cough up double that amount if they are serious about their intentions of signing Cavani, as Napoli’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has said that Napoli will only consider selling him if a club desperate for a striker matches the gigantic valuation of £60 million. De Laurentiis spoke in The Sun where he revealed his plans, as he said, “We included a very high buy-out clause in his contract as we want him to stay.”

“But if some nutter is willing to pay £60m, which would mean a net fee of £54m for Napoli, we are ready to listen to the offer.”

“Let it be clear that the final decision lies with Edinson. He knows he’s respected here and that the people love him.”

With this statement of intent from Napoli’s president, will we see Arsenal persist with their interest in Cavani?