ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has reportedly turned down a move to Argentine side Boca Juniors in favour of a switch to Barcelona.
Cavani has been linked with Barcelona in the past, and the Spaniards remain the 34-year-old’s first choice destination in January.
The Manchester United man has been in contact with Boca Juniors chiefs and informed them of his decision to join Barcelona, according to Argentine outlet TyC Sports.
Cavani is a major target for Barcelona as they look for another striker. They took Sergio Aguero from Manchester City in the summer, but he was forced to emotionally retire due to heart problems. Therefore, Barca are now looking towards the red half of Manchester instead.
However, doubt was recently cast on the chances of the move due to a contractual obstacle. It was claimed that Barca only wanted to offer him terms until the end of the season. Cavani, in contrast, would rather sign up until 2023.
Now, it appears they are finding a middle ground. According to Gerard Romero, Barcelona are now making an 18-month offer to Cavani.
Despite their financial issues, they are able to offer him an annual salary of €3.5m until the end of the current campaign. In addition, he could receive performance bonuses of up to €1m. For the full 2022-23 season, his salary would improve further to €4m plus €1.5m of add-ons.
Cavani is believed to be keen to sign up to help Barca get back towards where they belong. They are currently eighth in La Liga, far below their usual aims.
But he could well be on his way as early as January.
Cavani has struggled with injury this season, starting just twice in the Premier League this campaign.
Italian giants Juventus, as well as Corinthians, have been credited with an interest in the striker.
New interim boss Ralf Rangnick is thought to prefer Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford as his frontmen.
That could be the signal for Cavani to make way, and he will not wait around for his contract to expire in the summer.
