Napoli reportedly have a plan to stop Newcastle United, or anyone else for that matter, signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Georgian winger is a man in demand after his breathtaking start to the season. He has scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in all competitions so far, making Napoli one of the most exciting teams in Europe.
They are top of Serie A and coasted through to the knockout stage of the Champions League, and that is largely down to Kvaratskhelia’s ability on the left flank.
The 21-year-old has received a lot of praise for his performances. Fabio Capello likened him to Mohamed Salah, while Carlo Ancelotti believes he is a ‘special player‘.
He has been a revelation since his move to Naples, and is now wanted by Newcastle.
The Times recently claimed that he is now one of Eddie Howe’s top targets for 2023, with Sporting Director Dan Ashworth looking to bring the £50million-rated attacker to St James’ Park.
He would be a dream signing for the Magpies and a real statement of intent. However, a deal will be incredibly difficult.
Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has already stated that Newcastle have ‘no chance‘ of signing Kvaratskhelia, and now the Italian side have a plan to keep him at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Napoli to double Kvaratskhelia’s wages
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli are planning to offer Kvaratskhelia a new contract. The report adds that they intend to double his wages in an attempt to convince him to stay put.
The Italian outlet add that Kvaratskhelia is focussed on Napoli at the moment, while the Serie A leaders are keen to put interested clubs off a move for their star man.
He already has a deal until 2027, but renewed terms would make him even more valuable. Napoli would be able to command an even bigger fee for Kvaratskhelia if he signs a new contract on double the money he is currently on.
That would be a dent in Newcastle’s plans to sign him next year. The Times believe the Magpies could make a move in January or the summer, with Howe seemingly certain that he would be a good fit at St James’ Park.
But a transfer is going to cost Newcastle a lot of money. And it will cost even more if Kvaratskhelia signs a new contract with Napoli.
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