Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and journalist Ben Jacobs has explained why Eddie Howe is keen.
Kvaratskhelia first emerged as a Newcastle target last year when the Times reported that PIF wanted to either sign him in January or the summer.
Of course, a January move did not come to fruition. However, the 22-year-old continues to be linked with a move to St James’ Park ahead of next season.
The Georgia international is a man in demand given his performances in Italy this season. His partnership with Victor Osimhen is a big reason why Napoli are well on their way to securing a first Serie A title since 1990.
Kvaratskhelia has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season (his first for Napoli), and has scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists. His numbers and overall performances have been out of this world, which is why Europe’s biggest clubs want to sign him.
Manchester City have been linked, as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Newcastle are also in the conversation, as they continue their journey to become one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Why Newcastle want Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
In his latest column for Caught Offside, journalist Ben Jacobs has gone into a bit more detail on why Newcastle are interested in signing Kvaratskhelia from Napoli.
“Manchester City and Newcastle are two Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Kvaratskhelia,” he wrote.
“He is also drawing attention from PSG and Real Madrid.
“Eddie Howe, in particular, sees Kvaratskhelia as a fit because he’s fast, technical and a natural in a 4-3-3.
“Napoli don’t want to sell. It really is as simple as that. And they definitely don’t want a summer where they let Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia go.”
He would be a statement summer signing by Newcastle
The fact that Howe sees him as the perfect fit for his 4-3-3 formation suggests that he won’t be changing system any time soon.
If Newcastle are looking to make a statement signing this summer, they need not look much further than Kvaratskhelia. He is an outrageous talent, and has been described as ‘special’ by Jamie Carragher. He would massively enhance Howe’s faltering forward line.
The Magpies are struggling for goals right now, and need a lift in attack. Kvaratskhelia would provide that, and has proven this season how much of a difference maker he can be in the final third. 27 goal contributions speaks for itself.
He would be an improvement on our current options, and is of the age where he can still get even better. That is a terrifying thought for the rest of Europe, which is why so many clubs are battling to secure his signature.
However, the biggest roadblock could be Napoli’s unwillingness to sell.