Napoli have revealed they rejected a staggering offer for their striker Edinson Cavani in the summer.
Cavani is considered one of the best forwards in Europe currently, and the Uruguayan is wanted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe including English Premier League teams Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Cavani was closely monitored by both Chelsea and City in the summer, with the clubs looking to bolster their attacking options.
The Blues were reportedly in talks with the Italian club as well as Cavani's representatives, but a move for the 25-year-old did not materialize.
Now, Napoli Aurelio De Laurentiis admitted they received a big-money bid for Cavani, but chose to reject it.
"Last summer I was offered €55 million (£45million, $72.5 million) to release him but I didn't sell," Laurentiis told Gazzetta.it.
"Then in September we fixed his release clause. All things considered, buying him would cost €63 million (£52million, $84 million).
The Blues are still on the lookout for a striker to help reduce the burden on Fernando Torres, who has gone from strength to strength ever since Rafa Benitez has take over as manager.
Radamel Falcao is Chelsea's prime target, but the Atletico Madrid forward has committed his future to the club until the end of the season.
While it is unlikely that Cavani, who has scored 49 league goals in the last two seasons, will also move in January, the fact that the player is available for a fixed fee, albeit a high one, will leave open the option of buying him if Roman Abramovich chooses to bring out that check book.
Cavani currently has 13 league goals to his name, just one behind top scorer Stephan El Shaarawy, and the Uruguayan said he was staying calm over the news that Napoli rejected such a high bid, adding it was a testament of the hard work he puts into his game.
"Nothing changes for me," Cavani told Diario Salto. "(That value) is the result of many years of work and the fact that I have always given my best.
"For me, the objectives remain the same in 2013, to try to have the best chance for success in every competition."
