Newcastle United and Manchester City are showing the greatest interest in the transfer of Napoli ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. But they face paying an English record fee for the winger.
That is according to Graeme Bailey, who notes that Napoli believe Kvaratskhelia is the best player in the world right now. He has been a revelation since first stepping foot into Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last summer. But his form has merited interest around Europe.
Barcelona and Real Madrid are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old’s progress after scoring 12 and assisting 15 goals this season. Kvaratskhelia has offered 10 of his goals and 11 assists over 21 Serie A appearances. His other efforts have been over six Champions League ties.
Newcastle United and Manchester City are big fans of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Kvaratskhelia’s instant form for Napoli has also captivated Newcastle and Manchester City. The Premier League clubs are showing the greatest interest in securing his transfer. But the Azzurri will now demand £150m, just seven months since they paid Dinamo Batumi £10m.
Newcastle and Manchester City like Kvaratskhelia a lot and can afford to pay Napoli’s price tag for his transfer. But Stadio Diego Armando Maradona chiefs are also confident that he will not leave. They are planning to give the forward a new and greatly improved contract.
Which other Premier League clubs are lining up transfers for the Napoli star?
Recent reports by Gazzetta dello Sport noted that Napoli will try to renew Kvaratskhelia’s contract in the summer. The Azzurri understand his current €1.2m-a-year (£20k-a/w) net salary leaves them vulnerable to his European admirers. So, they plan to double his wage.
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is ready to pay Kvaratskhelia €2.5m-a-year (£43k-a-weel) and extend his contract to June 2028. He will also include bonuses for the forward to earn more in line with the Azzurri’s successes. His current deal does not expire until 2027.
Yet De Laurentiis’ proposal may still fall short with Eddie Howe a huge fan of the winger at St James’ Park. Ben Jacobs claims the Newcastle boss is eying a transfer for Kvaratskhelia as the Napoli star is perfect for the Magpies’ 4-3-3 system with his pace and technical skill.
But as well as Manchester City, Newcastle may have to rival Arsenal to agree on a transfer with Napoli for Kvaratskhelia. 90min notes the Gunners are scouting the 6ft dynamo Jamie Carragher feels is ‘the most exciting player in Europe’ and is good enough for Real Madrid.
While Calciomercato reports that Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur like the forward ‘a lot’. But Newcastle and Manchester City have displayed the most interest among their Premier League rivals for Kvaratskhelia’s transfer so far. Yet a £150m asking price could be an issue.
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