Chelsea Transfer News: Edinson Cavani Rumoured as Alvaro Morata Replacement

Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani as a potential replacement for Alvaro Morata, who is said to have agreed to return to former club Juventus this summer. 

The Blues have been linked with PSG ace Cavani in the past, and Tuttosport (h/t Amitai Winehouse of MailOnline) reported interest is again picking up amid rumours Morata could be on his way back to Turin.

Morata got off to a bright start at Stamford Bridge following last summer's move from Real Madrid, but a back injury has stunted his progress since the winter and encouraged speculation he could make a third transfer in three summers.

Real Madrid blogger Lucas Navarrete emphasised just how fast the Spaniard has fallen:

Things couldn't be in greater contrast for Cavani, who has scored 39 goals in all competitions thus far—the second-highest season tally in his career—and has been nominated for the Ligue 1 Player of the Year for the second term in succession.

The Uruguayan recently scored his fourth goal in as many league outings during Friday's 2-2 draw at Amiens, where he displayed the kind of cool head Chelsea might have wished to see more of from Morata, via Goal:

Morata spent two seasons at Juventus before Real exercised a buyback clause to re-sign the forward in 2016, and although he's reported to have terms agreed for a return, Juve and Chelsea are yet to conclude any deal.

Meanwhile, it's Cavani, 31, could be recruited on a two-year loan with a mandatory option to purchase in 2020, although that seems difficult to imagine given PSG wouldn't have much to gain from doing so.

Cavani has long been considered one of the most accomplished strikers in Europe and has come to excel at the Parc des Princes since Zlatan Ibrahimovic left for Manchester United in the summer of 2016.

However, it's for that reason PSG are unlikely to be keen on parting ways with their main striker, despite adding Neymar and Kylian Mbappe to their ranks.

Chelsea might have a job tempting him away from the French capital if they don't qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League. Per The Independent, the 31-year-old appears to be happy where he is in any case:

Morata's form has allowed January signing Olivier Giroud to take the starting berth, but Cavani would provide a clear step up in quality.

PSG aren't desperate for the cash injection and have little reason to believe Cavani will depart, meaning Chelsea may struggle to tempt the South American even if Morata ends up rejoining the Bianconeri this summer.