Rijo Sam Daniel
Transfer News: River Plate plot Manchester United raid for Edinson Cavani as Julian Alvarez replacement
According to The Daily Express [Print Edition] (h/t ESPN), River Plate have identified Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani as a replacement for the departing Julian Alvarez, who will join Manchester City. However, a move would probably be facilitated at the end of this season due to the circumstances surrounding this interest.
River president Jorge Brito had confirmed earlier that Alvarez would be staying with them on loan till next summer. Moreover, Cavani has entered the final six months of his current deal with Man United, which makes the prospect of moving after this season even more likely.
The Argentinian side is keen on getting the services of the 34-year-old, so it would not be too much of a reach to say that they can line him up as an option next summer. After all, their need would align with the financial opportunity of getting him on a free transfer, but there is nothing solid mentioned about when they can make an approach to sign the ex-Palermo and Napoli striker.
Will Cavani stay long term?
The Uruguayan has taken a backseat this season following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. He was not helped by the injury issues that bothered him throughout the course of this campaign. Since he has had a lesser role at the club, it remains to be seen if he actually decides to pen a new deal with us- or if the club offers one to him, to begin with.
Even if the South American club tries to sign the Red Devils star this January, we could simply reject their advances since there is no reason to entertain such attempts. The forward still can play a crucial role since the season is still at large. One could argue how this could be the last chance to get some cash for the striker, but our success should always take priority.
We are involved in three different competitions, so we should have good depth in our forward line to safeguard against potential setbacks. We cannot play Ronaldo for the full 90 minutes every single game, so the Uruguay international would have enough opportunities to take over the mantle when needed.
If he stays beyond the summer, while there has been no solid indication of it, then not many United fans would mind having a proven goalscorer on the bench. His ageing body, though, can be a potential issue but he has barely shown any signs of slowing down this season.
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It will be interesting to see how this situation develops in the coming months as the summer transfer window draws close. A move to Argentina would be out of our hands next term since we would have no ties with the Uruguay star at that time- granted he doesn’t renew his deal with us.
However, if the South American club should target him this month, there is only one decision that the Manchester club should take.
