Liverpool given boost as in-demand forward turns down PSG in favour of Premier League move
Liverpool have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has reportedly turned down an offer from Paris Saint-Germain in favour of a potential move to the Premier League.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the 23-year-old Georgian winger, currently impressing at Euro 2024, turned down the £110-million approach from the French giants as he would like to try his luck in England.
The Reds are actively seeking to bolster their squad for the upcoming season, but despite the recent departure of Joel Matip and uncertainties surrounding Virgil van Dijk's future, the club is most keen to add a new wide forward.
This comes amid the backdrop of Luis Diaz's continued flirtation with a move to Barcelona and Saudi interest in Mohamed Salah.
What's more, new coach Arne Slot's playing style famously revolves around the frequent rotation of creative wingers.
Liverpool have enquired about Kvaratskhelia
As a result, Kvaratskhelia has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool. His impressive performances with Napoli and at the European Championships have solidified his reputation as one of Europe’s elite young talents.
Since joining Napoli in July 2022, the forward has scored 25 goals and registered 26 assists across 88 appearances.
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Kvaratskhelia has put himself further in the spotlight in Germany this summer with his man-of-the-match performance for Georgia against Portugal during which he scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli and Georgia.
Mg Dortmund Germania 18/06/2024 - Euro 2024 / Turchia-Georgia / foto Matteo Gribaudi/Image nella foto: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxITA
As previously reported by Anfield Watch, the Reds have already made enquiries about the overall cost of securing Kvaratskhelia, including transfer fees, wages, signing-on fees and agent fees.
But while Napoli maintain a firm stance that the player is not for sale, the Georgian's desire to move to England adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing transfer discussions.
'Not for sale'
Amid interest in their star man, Napoli recently reiterated their position, emphasising that Kvaratskhelia is not for sale.
"In reference to the statements of Kvaratskhelia’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, and his father Badri, Calcio Napoli reiterate that the player has a contract for another three years with the club," the club said in a recent statement.
"Kvaratskhelia is not on the market. It’s not agents or fathers who decide on the future of a player under contract with Napoli, but the Calcio Napoli club!!! End of story."
With Georgia now out of Euro 2024, clubs hoping to secure the services of Kvaratskhelia should soon have some greater clarity.
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