Khvicha Kvaratskhelia set to finalize $72m transfer after Liverpool interest
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to finalize a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, where he will sign a five-year contract this month.
Liverpool emerged as an interested party last week but PSG was always the firm favorite to land the Georgia international, with talks between Napoli and the French champions progressing positively.
French outlet RMC Sport reports that PSG will pay a total transfer fee in excess of $72million for Kvaratskhelia, who made it clear to Napoli manager Antonio Conte last week that he wanted to leave the club.
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The Athletic reported last week that Liverpool could consider a possible move for Kvaratskhelia but only in the event of player departures. Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move to Napoli, while Darwin Nunez is the subject of apparent interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
The Kvaratskhelia ship has seemingly set sail, though, and Liverpool will have to identify and pursue alternative targets to the Georgia international should Arne Slot want to make attacking additions this month.
Addressing Kvaratskhelia's situation in Napoli last week, Conte said: “He asked the club to be sold, without mincing his words. This is what was said to me, the player has confirmed his decision to me.
“Personally I feel very disappointed, because I spent six months trying to make Kvara feel at the centre of the project, working with him, showing him that we could do something great and also working with the club for six months on the renewal.
“From my point of view, it’s a great disappointment. Today I have to take a step back. I can’t keep those who want to leave tied up in chains. I did that in the summer [when Kvaratskhelia wanted to leave] and had six months to convince all the parties to find a solution.
“I realise that the news has come out of the blue, but now I am taking a step back and it’s right that the club and Kvara’s entourage resolve the situation."
