Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is reportedly negotiating a new contract with Napoli, thus handing a blow to Barcelona’s hopes of signing him.
According to a report by Spanish outlet SPORT, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will not join Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old is negotiating a new contract with Serie A champions Napoli and will likely receive a bump in his wages while extending his stay by a year.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and his Napoli journey
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been among the best attackers in Serie A since joining Napoli from Dinamo Batumi in July 2022. The Georgian international hit the ground running at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium and was instrumental in earning the Partenopei the elusive Serie A crown after more than three decades.
However, the reigning Italian champions and Kvaratskhelia have suffered a significant drop in performance levels this season. The player has still managed to contribute to 16 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions, illustrating his quality. The 23-year-old has found the back of the net ten times while providing six assists.
Meanwhile, Kvaratskhelia’s progress at Napoli has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Recent reports have suggested a move to La Liga might be on the cards, with Barcelona and Real Madrid showing interest in him.
Barcelona Calling?
Barcelona’s interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is hardly surprising. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a wide attacker amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Ferran Torres and Raphinha. While both players have been impressive this season, Barcelona must sell a few high-value assets to balance the books and fund summer signings.
Kvaratskhelia has thus emerged as a viable target, with Gianluca Di Marzio suggesting the Catalan giants are a potential destination for the 23-year-old if he leaves Napoli. However, the Georgian international is not going anywhere, as he is in talks with the Serie A champions over a new contract.
The new deal will extend Kvaratskhelia’s stay by a year while hiking his salary. So, Barcelona must look elsewhere to bolster the offensive unit in the summer transfer window, with the 23-year-old continuing at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium beyond the summer transfer window.
