Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a stunning summer swoop for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Eddie Howe is determined to bolster his squad ahead of the Magpies’ long-awaited return to the Champions League. He has already bagged a coup of sorts by signing Italy international Sandro Tonali from AC Milan in a £55million deal. But now the English tactician wants to strengthen his attacking options.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle United have made a club-record offer of £82million to sign Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Napoli are yet to respond to Newcastle’s offer, with the defending Italian champions determined to keep hold of one of their prized assets.
The rise of Kvaratskhelia, 22, was one of the stories of 2022/23 season. He joined Napoli in a paltry €11.5m deal from Dinamo Batumi last summer but the youngster quickly developed into one of the best wingers in world football. The fleet-footed wideman was one of Napoli’s standout performers last season, helping them win the Scudetto for the first time since 1990.
The Georgian international scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions as I Partenopei reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to Newcastle United—A terrific signing?
Newcastle are keen to kick on with their transfer dealings after the arrival of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan last week. They have switched their focus to reinforcing Eddie Howe’s attacking unit, with Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes one of the Toon Army’s top targets. However, Leicester City want £50m for Barnes, who scored 13 goals for the relegated side last season.
It remains to be seen what happens with the Barnes deal but Newcastle are also eyeing a sensational move for Napoli star, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Kvaratskhelia’s impressive form for Napoli has attracted interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG.
Newcastle have made their intent very clear by submitting an audacious £82million for the Georgian winger. Allan Saint-Maximin’s future at St James’ Park is up in the air following another injury-hit campaign. The Magpies are open to listen to offers for Saint-Maximin amid interest from Saudi clubs, with Eddie Howe keen to recruit an upgrade on the flashy Frenchman.
And Kvaratskhelia would absolutely be that player for the Magpies. Kvaratskhelia showed throughout the recently-concluded campaign that he can perform at the very highest level, terrorising defences in Italy and Europe with his technique, speed, dribbling and flair. He was among the most productive wide players across European football, so the 22-year-old would instantly elevate Newcastle’s attacking unit as well as add to their vital squad depth should a deal go through.
On the surface, Kvaratskhelia is a class act more than capable of hacking it in the Premier League. However, as Napoli have maintained their stance that they want to keep hold of the Georgian international for the upcoming season, it would be intriguing to see how can Newcastle persuade the reigning Italian champions into selling one of Europe’s top attacking talents.
