Reports suggest that Napoli is prepared to double the salary of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, their sought-after player, in a bid to keep him at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium amid interest from Chelsea and other teams.
Kvaratskhelia, who joined Napoli last summer from Dinamo Batumi, signed a five-year contract and has become one of the Azzurri’s standout performers.
With Chelsea’s ongoing struggles in the attacking third, having scored only 29 goals in 27 Premier League games this season, there is potential interest from the Blues to bolster their attacking options.
Chelsea’s recent spending spree, approaching £550 million under Todd Boehly, could facilitate a move for Kvaratskhelia to Stamford Bridge.
Napoli is currently projected to win the Serie A title this season, and Kvaratskhelia’s value is estimated to be around €100 million (£88 million).
The Georgian international has made 23 Serie A appearances, amassing an impressive record of 12 goals and 10 assists, earning a remarkable 7.64 rating from WhoScored.
Across all competitions, he boasts a total of 14 goals and 16 assists.
Kvaratskhelia’s statistics surpass those of any player in Chelsea’s current squad.
Notably, his average of 2.9 shots, 1.7 critical passes, and 1.8 dribbles per game outshines all Chelsea players who have played in more than 10 Premier League games this season.
Mina Rzouki, a journalist, expressed admiration for Kvaratskhelia within a month of his debut with Napoli, describing him as a phenomenon.
His dynamic playing style and impact on the pitch drew early praise, signaling his potential as a crucial asset for Napoli.
Comparisons between Kvaratskhelia and former Chelsea star Eden Hazard have surfaced, with Arsenal icon Thierry Henry commending the Georgian winger for his brilliance.
Henry noted Kvaratskhelia’s resemblance to Hazard, praising his ability to press, dribble, and assist, highlighting qualities such as balance, composure, and vision.
Eden Hazard, who left Chelsea in 2019 for Real Madrid, enjoyed immense success during his time in England.
However, Chelsea has faced challenges in finding a suitable replacement for Hazard’s contributions, with wingers like Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech unable to fill his shoes effectively.
Kvaratskhelia emerges as a potential solution for Chelsea, offering a skill set reminiscent of Hazard’s prime.
His versatility in pressing, dribbling, and creating opportunities aligns with the requirements for building a title-contending team under the management of Mauricio Pochettino.
As Napoli endeavors to retain Kvaratskhelia, Chelsea’s pursuit of the Georgian winger could be a strategic move to bolster their attacking prowess and address longstanding challenges in the post-Hazard era.
With the prospect of doubling his salary, Kvaratskhelia’s future remains a focal point in the evolving dynamics of European football transfers.
