Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is now one of the ‘top three wingers’ in the world with Premier League duo Arsenal and Newcastle United eyeing the Napoli star, Serie A team-mate Stanislav Lobotka tells Corriere dello Sport.
It’s been said before, of course, but it still bears repeating.
Napoli spent just £9 million on Kvartskhelia last year. How much is he worth now, by comparison? Few would question the logic if Partenopei chief Aurelio de Laurentiis slapped a zero on the end of that bargain price-tag, the Georgia international producing a combined 28 goals and assists while emerging as perhaps the greatest revelation anywhere in European football this term.
According to Lobotka, another Napoli star playing the best stuff of his career under Luciano Spalletti, only two other wingers can touch Kvaratskhelia in current form; ranking the one-time Leeds United target above the likes of Bukayo Saka, Riyad Mahrez and Mo Salah.
Arsenal, Newcastle and Man City like Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
“Kvaratskhelia is among the top three wingers, with Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe,” Lobotka argues.
According to 90Min, Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders Arsenal turned their attention to Kvaratskhelia after missing out on the similarly jet-heeled Mykhaylo Mudryk to London rivals Chelsea. Give Me Sport reporter Dean Jones, meanwhile, believes Manchester City may be tempted by the wildcard winger.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe also a big fan.
“(Newcastle boss) Howe, in particular, sees Kvaratskhelia as a fit,” Jones explains. “Because he’s fast, technical and a natural in a 4-3-3.”
Cruising 18 points clear at the top of Serie A, a man nicknamed ‘Kvaradona’ is all-but certain to end his debut season with a winners’ medal; Napoli on their verge of a first Scudetto since 1990.
“He’s a great guy,” smiles striker partner Victor Osimhen. “I realised that immediately.
“Everyone loves him in the dressing room. Not only for what he does on the pitch but also for what he does off it. I believe he can win the Ballon d’Or in the next few years. I hope he also brings many successes to Napoli.”
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