PSG: Tuchel clarifies Cavani situation amid ongoing Atlético links
The PSG coach has clarified the reasons for Cavani's absence in the semi-final of the French cup, while claiming there is no news regarding his possible January exit.
Thomas Tuchel has clarified the reasons behind Edison Cavani's omission from the squad for the 3-0 French Cup win against Stade Reims on Wednesday.
Some media had claimed the player had declared himself unavailable for the tie amid supposed strained relations with the club. However, Tuchel ensured that Cavani’s exclusion was due to an injury in his pubic bone.
“Cavani has not disrespected us. He said it himself: he has discomfort in his pubic bone and it was not possible for him to be was with us today,” the PSG boss said to Canal+.
Cavani keen to join Atlético
Out-of-favour Cavani has struggled for his place this season and is in favour of a move away from Paris, with Altético Madrid best placed to land the 32-year-old forward.
While a January move to Los Rojiblancos has been touted, it now seems more likely that Cavani will stay to see out his PSG contract until June, after which time he will be a free agent.
Atlético have presented an offer of 15 million euros (plus 3 million in add-ons) in a bid secure his signature in January, but a deal is far from final with just a week left until the market’s close. Asked about Cavani’s possible exit, Tuchel said “there is no news”.
Signing the PSG veteran is the utmost priority for Atléti boss Diego Simeone due to the absence of injured striker Diego Costa, who is currently in the middle of a long spell on the side-lines. However, at Parc de Princes they consider the Uruguayan an important substitute for current first-choice striker, Mauro Icardi, as the club enters the key period of the season.
Cavani's plan is clear: he wants to make the switch to Atlético and has already given the LaLiga outfit the green light. But everything rests on an agreement being struck between the two clubs.