Liverpool just saw ideal Anthony Gordon alternative as Arne Slot should make transfer move

While Liverpool is well-stocked down the left-hand side of its attack, it is hard not to feel that a move for Newcastle United and England forward Anthony Gordon would represent an upgrade.

Scoring 11 times and assisting another 10 in the Premier League last season, the former Everton winger is a huge talent. He has the dynamism and end product that would excite any club in the world.

Nevertheless, while Liverpool was approached by Newcastle last week about a possible swap deal involving Jarell Quansah, those talks broke down. The Reds like Gordon but were never going to agree to losing their next big thing at center-back to get him.

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Though it is possible that Liverpool could go back in for Gordon, there is an alternative. In Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, there is a stylistically similar player with equally good attributes that would represent more of a sure thing in front of goal than what Arne Slot already has at his disposal.

Kvaratskhelia, who impressed hugely against Spain as his side was knocked out of Euro 2024 yesterday, has scored 25 goals and added 26 assists in 88 games for Napoli since joining in July 2022. In Germany, he showcased his full range of skills.

Like Gordon, he can drag his team upfield with the ball at his feet and he is decisive and direct when dribbling. If he has the ball, his first thought is to drive straight toward the goal.

Kvaratskhelia's presence forced an own goal by Real Sociedad's Robin Le Normand while he nearly scored from the halfway line early in the second half. Georgia was hammered 4-1 in the end, but Kvaratskhelia, alongside Nico Williams, was the best player on the field.

Two Premier League clubs excluding Liverpool are interested in signing the 23-year-old, the ECHO reports, while he would supposedly prioritize a move to the Premier League over a switch to PSG, who is also interested. With that in mind, the Reds should be mulling over a move.

"I respect [new Napoli boss Antonio] Conte, he’s one of the best managers," Kvaratskhelia said while away with his country, Georgia, at the European Championship. "I respect also Napoli, I love Napoli. I will decide my future after the Euros. Now I’m focused on the game vs Spain."

Georgia is out now, so things should become clear quickly. And if there is any chance of getting Kvaratskhelia for a decent fee — even if he would have to push for an exit — then Liverpool should be all over it.

"There are no doubts," new Napoli boss Conte said in a press conference last week. "Khvicha stays here and he will play for Napoli. It's all clear. Kvara will stay here with us."

A club statement was also put out, with Napoli firing a warning to anyone interested in its star man this summer. "In reference to the statements of Kvaratskhelia's agent, Mamuka Jugeli, and his father Badri, Calcio Napoli reiterates that the player has a contract for another three years with the club," it read.

Nevertheless, Kvaratskhelia himself isn't quite so certain. His representatives have already made clear that he doesn't want to miss a year of Champions League football. It should be Liverpool offering the opportunity for him to get it.