Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli next year.
That is according to the Times, who believe that the Napoli winger is now one of the Magpies’ top transfer targets for the next two transfer windows.
The report states that Toon officials have been scouting Kvaratskhelia before the World Cup, while they have also done character checks on the 21-year-old.
That shows how serious Newcastle are, as character is such an important part of Eddie Howe’s philosophy when it comes to recruitment. The fact he is now a top target suggests he would be a good fit at St James’ Park.
He won’t be cheap, however. The Times add that he is valued at £50million, five times what Napoli signed him for back in July.
The Georgia international is enjoying a breakout season in Serie A, with teams from all over wishing they had snapped him up during the summer.
That includes Newcastle, who now want to sign him in 2023.
Newcastle want to sign red hot Kvaratskhelia
Kvaratskhelia has looked staggeringly good since joining Napoli. £50million might sound like a lot of money, but he is absolutely worth that figure based on his first few months in Italy.
He has been in red hot form, and is currently averaging more than one goal contribution a game in all competitions. Kvaratskhelia has made 17 appearances for Napoli, scoring eight goals and providing 10 assists. That equals 18 goal contributions in 17 games.
His numbers are astonishing. And he is an absolute joy to watch. Kvaratskhelia seems to have it all – he has the speed and skill to beat a man, while he is also selfless enough to know when to pass. And he has that unique ability to slow the game down to his own pace, before beating his man in a flash.
Cassano thinks he is better than Grealish
Kvaratskhelia’s performances have caught the eye of Antonio Cassano, who played 39 times for Italy in his career. He recently praised Napoli’s number 77, taking aim at Jack Grealish in the process – a man Newcastle fans know very well.
“In these last three months, he’s been by far the best in Serie A,” Cassano told Bobo TV, as quoted by HITC.
“Congratulations to Giuntoli [Napoli director]. This is a phenomenon. I saw City and Grealish can’t even tie his left shoe. Kvara is phenomenal.
“He defends, he goes inside, he assists. And now he plays as he wants and has consistency during the game that one does not expect. I hope for the Neapolitans that he will stay for a long time. But I think (Europe’s biggest clubs) will knock immediately to get him.”
Cassano’s prediction was right, as Eddie Howe and co want to bring him to the Premier League next year.
It would be amazing to see him at Newcastle, so let’s hope Dan Ashworth can work his magic and bring him to St James’ Park.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
