‘On a mission’ - Fabrizio Romano shares ‘desperate’ update on Newcastle United, Liverpool and Chelsea target
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia lit up Euro 2024 against Portgual and has previously been linked with Newcastle United
Napoli chiefs have flown out to the Euros to try and persuade Khvicha Kvaratskhelia beyond the summer.
The Georgian sensation turned heads on Wednesday with a match-winning display against Portugal. His opener after 90 seconds sent the minnows on their way to a first-ever win at a major tournament - and booked a place in the knockout stages.
Kvaratskhelia became a household name for his exploits at Napoli in 2022-23. The forward helped Gli Azzurri win their first league title for 30 years and attracted reported interest from Newcastle United.
A turbulent season last year saw Napoli finish 10th - fuelling talk of several high-profile exits. Former Georgian international Mamuka Jugeli, Kvaratskhelia’s agent, outlined the forward’s desire to leave after the Euros earlier this month.
“We want to leave, but we are waiting for the end of the European Championship,” he said. “With (Antonio) Conte, Napoli have big plans. I'm sure they will qualify for the Champions League again next season and fight for the Scudetto.
“But that doesn't mean that Kvaratskhelia wants to stay there, I don't mean it. I didn't talk with Khvicha about this issue, the most important thing for him is the national team. Our goal is the team that plays in the Champions League. The worst thing is that, if he stays here, Khvicha will lose one year (of his career) because of that. We are worried.”
Napoli released a damning statement dismissing exit talk and are desperate to centre their rebuild around Kvaratskhelia. Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed club officials have jetted to Germany to begin contract talks.
“For Kvaratskhelia, today Napoli were on a mission,” he told his YouTube channel. “With the president De Laurentiis travelling to Germany to meet with the player and the agent of the player to prepare the new contract proposal.
“Talks will continue after the Euros. Napoli are absolutely convinced to keep Kvaratskhelia and to offer him a new contract.”