Napoli director comments on Newcastle possibly signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

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Newcastle United reportedly have no chance of signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

That is according to Napoli’s director Cristiano Giuntoli, who has now commented on a report that the Magpies want to sign Kvaratskhelia from the Serie A club in 2023.

According to the Times, Kvaratskhelia is now one of Eddie Howe’s top targets, with Newcastle looking to bring him to St James’ Park either in January or next summer.

The 21-year-old would be a sensational addition to Howe’s squad, and could prove to be Dan Ashworth’s best signing yet if he can pull it off.

But bringing Kvaratskhelia to Tyneside is going to be very tough. He is enjoying a breakout season with Napoli, providing 18 goal contributions in 17 games.

His numbers are staggering, and it has led to praise from far and wide for the Georgian winger. Fabio Capello compared him to Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, while Antonio Cassano called him ‘phenomenal‘.

And Napoli director Giuntoli is keen to continue calling Kvaratskhelia a Napoli player.

Napoli director on Newcastle signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Giuntoli has spoken to Sport Express, and gave a definitive answer on the possibility of Kvaratskhelia signing for Newcastle next year.

“Newcastle interest in Khvicha?” he said.

“There is no chance that we’ll let him go, despite the amount of the offer.”

Newcastle may struggle to sign Kvaratskhelia

Giuntoli seems pretty certain that he will not be selling Kvaratskhelia to the Magpies in the near future. That is really disappointing, given how talented he is.

But it is no surprise that the Napoli chief is keen to keep his star player at the club – especially as they look to win their first Serie A title since 1990. They are certainly contenders this season, and lead the way after 15 games. In fact, they are eight points clear of second-place AC Milan.

Kvaratskhelia deserves a lot of credit for that, and will be key if Napoli are to secure their third ever Italian league title.

For Newcastle, it will be an incredibly difficult deal to do in January. The Times believe he is valued at £50million, but his performances and contract until 2027 would suggest he is worth a lot more.

Ashworth was always going to have to work really hard to bring Kvaratskhelia to Tyneside. Now Guintoli’s comments make Ashworth’s job even harder.