Word on the street is that Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has lost faith with Robin van Persie and is plotting to land Paris Saint-Germain’s Edinson Cavani as a replacement for him this summer.
Ten goals in the Premier League and some pretty anonymous showings suggest that the former Arsenal star is edging towards the back end of his career, with the performances he turned in for the Red Devils and the Gunners between 2011 and 2013 now a distant memory.
With LVG’s side on course to return to the Champions League after moving above bitter rivals Manchester City over the weekend, the cash should be in place to fund changes, which means that luring Cavani across from Ligue 1 is possible.
Here are FIVE reasons ‘swapping’ Van Persie for ‘El Matador’ makes sense…
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Cavani guarantees goals
Edinson Cavani may not have been the world-beater PSG thought they were getting back in 2013 during his spell in the French capital, but he’s still been impressive in front of goal. The Uruguayan has notched eight league goals this term despite having been used in a wing role to accommodate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while his career has been one full of goals in Italy. During his time with Napoli, ‘El Matador’ smashed 78 efforts in three Serie A campaigns, during which time he was considered to be one of the most deadly marksmen on the planet.
Van Persie is spent
Simply put, Robin van Persie has been on his way down for the best part of two years. The Dutchman was terrific in his last season with Arsenal and fired United to the title in 2013 with 26 Premier League goals, but the years are now catching up with him. At 31, RVP appears to lack the pace to trouble top defences, with his 10 goals a minor miracle given that his performances have been poor for the best part of the campaign.
Rooney needs support
Moved back up from a midfield role, Wayne Rooney appears to be United’s only top class striking option right now. The England man is, arguably, better in a slightly deeper zone now, so a potential position just off a lethal centre-forward like Cavani is mouth watering for Red Devils. As it stands, James Wilson is a little on the inexperienced side to feature regularly, while Radamel Falcao has been… abysmal.
Get some cash in for RVP
With Fenerbahce circling it’s certainly possible that United could get some cash in for their man. The Dutchman is set to be a free agent in 2016, so getting in a fee this summer will be solid business, particularly as RVP will be 32 next season. Favourable tax rules in Turkey have allowed top teams to attract big money stars, and a potential big payday in Istanbul may appeal to Van Persie.
Falcao can be axed
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Getting in Cavani would surely signal the end for Radamel Falcao.
The Colombian has been a disastrous loan signing considering the fee it took to get him and his massive wages, with a return of four goals hardly befitting of a player once dubbed one for the most dangerous forwards in European football.