This is likely to be one of the most important summer transfer windows that Napoli have had in their entire history, with the futures of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to be decided.
The Nigerian striker has long been coveted by some of European football’s biggest clubs, whilst Kvaratskhelia’s agent has certainly given Man City and others encouragement with his statements at the beginning of the year – detailed by 1TV Sport Georgia (h/t TeamTalk).
Napoli need to move quickly on Kvaratskhelia contract
At just 23 years of age, the Georgian has years left ahead of him in the game, and as good as he is now, he will only get better as he gets closer to his supposed peak years.
That makes him the most attractive of propositions to Europe’s big guns, all of whom would surely make their interest known if they thought that there was a chance of landing the player.
That they’ve not done so to this point speaks volumes, and that’s likely to be because the Partnopei are determined to keep hold of the player at all costs.
“There have been many rumours regarding Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who remains a crucial player for Napoli,” Fabrizio Romano said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive Daily Briefing.
“He’s doing very well in recent weeks after a difficult first part of the season, and he said in an interview this week in a very clear way that he isn’t discussing anything with Napoli – so the point is very clear.
“Napoli’s expectation is for Victor Osimhen to leave the club in the summer and for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to extend his contract. The Italian team wants to get the new deal done as soon as possible, with the player’s agent saying everything will be clear by the end of May.
“It’s crucial for the Partnopei to close this new deal quickly, otherwise there could be a dangerous situation that develops in the summer.
“That’s because there is interest from many clubs – Barcelona, clubs in England and others – but nothing is concrete at the moment.”
With Osimhen moving on to pastures new, Kvaratskhelia has the perfect opportunity to become the main man for Napoli.
Whilst it’s ostensibly true that Osimhen has been the bigger name at the club, it’s worth acknowledging the part that Kvaratskhelia played in Napoli’s charge towards the Scudetto too.
The team has gone off the boil this season, and going out of the Champions League to Barcelona wasn’t likely to be in their plans, but Napoli will regroup this summer and go again in 2024/25.
Kvaratskhelia will remain a figurehead of the team and be expected to get them back to somewhere approaching their title-winning form.