Man City, Pep Guardiola. The Blues, Premier League, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Manchester City are targeting Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer but the Serie A leaders have set a mammoth asking price.
The Lowdown: City linked…
The Georgian super talent has quickly cemented his name as one of Europe’s most dazzling young players and a real one to watch, perhaps even in the same league as fellow City target Jude Bellingham.
Kvaratskhelia is already drawing comparisons to Napoli legend Diego Maradona, one of the greatest players in football history, and the sky appears to be the limit.
The 22-year-old has been billed the standout star in Italy this season alongside teammate Victor Osimhen, with the pair spearheading Luciano Spalletti’s side to Serie A’s summit.
Napoli are overwhelming favourites to seize the title and could even be considered dark horses for this year’s Champions League.
The Latest: Man City told Kvaratskhelia price…
Of course, with Kvaratskhelia seriously impressing, major clubs from the Premier League have had their heads turned.
Pep Guardiola‘s side and Newcastle are thought to be interested in making a move for the winger this summer, but according to Football Insider, City will need to fork out a club-record fee.
It is believed that Napoli and chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis, who City have had trouble dealing with in the past, value Kvaratskhelia at a staggering £140 million.
Real Madrid are also monitoring the player’s situation and this transfer saga could be well to keep an eye on this summer.
The Verdict: Consider alternatives?
There is no denying Kvaratskhelia is a player of serious quality and maybe the most promising forward in world football.
Journalist Rory Smith, writing a profile on Napoli’s rising star, branded him the ‘most compelling, exciting player’ in European football recently.
However, to sign him, the champions may have to smash their transfer record by a big £40 million – eclipsing the £100 million City paid for Jack Grealish in 2021.
There are alternatives to the Georgia international, most notably AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who has been linked with a move to Eastlands in recent months.
The latter player’s price tag reportedly comes in at around £88 million, which is still pretty marquee but a far cry from the ridiculous figure De Laurentiis reportedly wants for Kvaratskhelia.
Leao’s contract also expires in 2024 as things stand, potentially handing City sporting director Txiki Begiristain a chance to whittle down his price tag in potential talks.
Alternatively, the Blues could even ditch their plans to sign a winger considering the array of attacking talent at their disposal and need to strengthen other areas – like the centre of midfield and in defence.
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