Edinson Cavani brings victory Napoli - Chelsea 3:1

Napoli - Chelsea 3:1 Goal Lavezzi '65 by Paluch00
Such was the excitement after Napoli's latest theatrical statement on the Champions League stage, one of Gazetto dello Sport's columnists defined their frontman, Edinson Cavani, as "unique in the world". The Uruguayan is certainly enjoying a golden period, and has arguably worked his way to the top of the list of centre-forwards coveted by the wealthiest. Another outstanding performance against Chelsea yielded a goal (his 24th of the season), an assist, and a hand in the other as his movement created space for his fellow assassin Ezequiel Lavezzi to score. Napoli's three tenors, as they alongside Marek Hamsik are called, have enough in their armoury to make opposition defenders squeal like sopranos.

Cavani agreed a new five year deal with Napoli last May but Standard Sport understands he wants his next move to be to England. Cavani - valued by Napoli at around £27million, is the club's top earner on about £1.7m per year, and it is believed he would be looking for a substantial rise to increase his salary to between £4m-£5m a year.

Without wishing to second guess what goes through the mind of Roman Abramovich, it would be understandable for him to have observed Cavani and begin thumbing a metaphorical cheque-book. That said, the labours of Fernando Torres are an ongoing lesson that throwing money at something is no guarantee of a happy ending.

Cavani has been watched by Chelsea scouts on a number of occasions this term, and there is also interest from Tottenham, who are believed to have made a check on the 25-year-old in last Friday's 3-0 win at Fiorentina in Serie A, when Cavani scored twice.