- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet to make a signing this summer and now interest has emerged for Napoli’s, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Two seasons ago, the Georgian winger was one of the hottest properties in European football after he helped Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time in three decades.
Alongside striker Victor Osimhen, they caused havoc in Italy’s top tier and it caught the attention of Europe’s elite.
In recent weeks, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Kvaratskhelia, but Napoli sources insist they have not heard of any renewed interest.
The 23-year-old predominantly plays on the left flank, an area Liverpool are already strong in with Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez able to play that role – Barcelona remain keen on Diaz.
But Liverpool have also been linked with Anthony Gordon this summer and now you can add Kvaratskhelia to that list with next Friday’s transfer deadline looming.
£100 million plus for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
HITC understands that Napoli want more than £100m for Kvaratskhelia when they come to sell – but there is a twist because that will not be this summer.
The Georgian superstar agitated for a move earlier in this window following an excellent Euro 2024 but to no avail – Kvaratskhelia was dubbed ’emphatic’ at Euro 2024.
Arsenal were one of the clubs keen on Kvaratskhelia, but they alongside Manchester City haven’t pushed the boat out to sign the forward.
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New Khvicha Kvaratskhelia contract
Kvaratskhelia’s biggest problem is that he does not have a release clause in his current deal which still has three years left to run.
Indeed, Napoli’s plan is to hand the 23-year-old a bumper new deal and Kvaratskhelia will be persuaded to sign by the promise of a release clause – which they did with Chelsea transfer target Osimhen.
Although, like with Osimhen, the clause will not be small and will likely be close to or in excess of £100m.
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