Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United linked Kvicha Kvaratskhelia is a ‘genius’ and ‘Lorenzo Insigne’s double, his former Lokomotiv Moscow coach Yuri Semin tells Gazzetta dello Sport of the Premier League target.
Kvaratskhelia played just seven games on loan for Lokomotiv back in 2019.
But the Georgian international clearly left a lasting impression on Semin during his time in the Russian capital.
So much so that the manager has no qualms about comparing the coveted winger to Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne amid reports suggesting that Kvaratskhelia could soon replace the Italy international on the left-hand side of Luciano Spaletti’s attack at the Stadio San Paolo.
“He is Insigne’s double. A dribble addict, a technician, a genius,” says Semin.
“You always expect something from him. The left wing is his position. He shoots with his right-foot; The same trademark move as Insigne. He would be the perfect replacement.
- READ MORE: Fulham’s XI if they kept their top stars
“I advise him to learn Italian immediately and adapt to the environment. Naples is magical. It pampers you and takes you to the top. Ideal for imaginative players like him.”
Is Kvicha Kvaratskhelia heading to the Premier League or Serie A?
Napoli will not have a clear run at Kvaratskhelia. Far from it.
According to Il Mattino, Leeds and Tottenham are hot on the tail of a player who held talks regarding a potential move to Elland Road or North London less than 12 months ago.
Kvaratskhelia himself confirmed Leeds’ approach, while his agent went public with Spurs’ interest.
AreaNapoli believe that Arsenal are also watching the situation closely.
The £18 million-rated Kvaratskhelia terminated his contract at Russian outfit Rubin Kazan last month following beginning of the Ukraine crisis, returning to Georgia with league-leaders Dinamo Batumi in what is expected to be a short-term, quick-fix sort of a deal.
He’s certainly not expected to stick around for long at the 20,000 capacity Batumi Stadium.
“Kvaratskhelia? The boy from an early age showed great talent. A little genius,” adds Irakli Khvelediani, a Georgian football agent.
“He’s a left winger but he can also play elsewhere. He’s extraordinary, especially in counterattacks. He has great technique and dribbling skills. He has to take the leap and go to play in a top-five league.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
