Chelsea eyeing Napoli winger Kvaratskhelia – sources

Chelsea have joined the list of clubs tracking Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, sources have told ESPN.

Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle United are among a host of teams from across Europe said to be interested in signing the 22-year-old, who has scored 14 goals and registered 17 assists in 43 games as Napoli won their first Serie A title since. 1990 earlier this year.

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A move for Kvaratskhelia would be in line with Chelsea’s strategy of looking for young players with high potential.

However, Napoli are in a strong position to resist any formal offer given the Georgian winger is under contract with the club until 2027 and talks are reportedly progressing well on a new contract on improved terms.

Sources have indicated that Napoli value Kvaratskhelia at over €100 million ($124.8 million) and while Chelsea would not be deterred by this valuation in theory, they have minimal margin under the rules of UEFA Financial Fair Play. Additionally, their 2024 budget will depend on various factors, including which European competition they qualify for next season.

Chelsea also have other priorities in the transfer market, with the club considering Kvaratskhelia’s Napoli teammate Victor Osimhen among a list of attackers that also includes Brentford striker Ivan Toney.