Allowing Edinson Cavani to leave this summer would be a “very big mistake” according to former PSG striker Nicolas Anelka.
In an interview with a Les Parisiens fan on Instagram Anelka, came through the club’s academy in the late 90s, claimed that it was important to keep hold of the Uruguayan who is PSG’s record goalscorer.
“To let Cavani go would be a very big mistake. In Paris, you need competition. He is a super striker that you risk giving to a competitor because he will go to another big club. And when he plays against PSG, he will score for sure. And this is where they will have great regrets.”
Despite scoring more goals than any player in their history Cavani is often overlooked at PSG due to the stardom of Neymar and Mbappe.
It isn’t just individual records where Cavani has excelled. During his seven years in Paris, he has won six league titles, the most recent of which coming just over a month ago when PSG were awarded the Ligue 1 title after the league’s curtailment due to Covid-19.
At 33 years old he may fancy one more big move as he enters the twilight of his career. Cavani has been heavily linked with a move to La Liga and Atlético Madrid.
And with his PSG teammate and Spaniard Ander Herrera talking to AS about Cavani being perfect for the Spanish league it is a move that looks like it would be a good fit.
It seems that PSG has already started planning for life without Cavani too. Last week the club opted to make Mauro Icardi’s loan move from Inter Milan permanent paying the Italian club a fee of 60m euros (£54m).
This means that even if Cavani does leave the blow will be somewhat softened with PSG still boasting one of the most dangerous front threes in Europe.
The club’s hierarchy will be hoping that this move is one that will help them to finally be more competitive in the Champions League.
Since Qatar Sports Investments purchased the club in 2011 they’ve dominated French football but struggled to make the breakthrough in Europe.
Anelka spoke about how the lack of competition domestically hasn’t helped with this.
“PSG today is a great team. With the players they have, they are good enough to win the Champions League. They will end up doing it.
“The only problem is the weak competition in Ligue 1. To be the champion of France is good, but to progress on a European scale, they need difficult matches regularly.
“I hope that Marseille will soon be bought by a wealthy Gulf businessman so that they have real adversity in Ligue 1.”
With the Champions League set to get underway again in August, it remains to be seen whether a lack of football since March will be an advantage or disadvantage for PSG. Â
However, with Cavani’s contract at PSG set to expire at the end of June, it is looking increasingly likely he will move on.
A departure of a real club legend will undoubtedly hurt the club. Therefore it is imperative they keep hold of Neymar who has been constantly linked with a return to Barcelona.
Losing two key men would be unthinkable as the club continues its quest for European glory.
