Barcelona suspicious of €80m-rated Napoli winger’s intentions

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 12: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

One of the positions that FC Barcelona want to strengthen in the upcoming summer transfer window is that of the left wing, as Deco is looking for another differential player who can score goals from the wing.

For this purpose, the Catalans have been linked with the Napoli winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for some time now, with these links gaining some traction in the last few days.

However, according to SPORT, Barcelona believe that his being linked with them is only a tactic employed by Kvaratskhelia’s agent to gain some leverage in his negotiations with Napoli for the winger’s renewal.

There are significant changes expected in the Italian club’s squad this summer, as Napoli have already decided to part ways with their star striker, Victor Osimhen. Paris Saint Germain or some Premier League side can get the Nigerian for around €100 million.

In such a scenario, the Italians cannot afford to sell the Georgian as well, as he is the other most differential player on their roster. He has got ten goals and six assists in thirty Serie A appearances this season, and another assist in eight Champions League appearances.

Thus, the 23-year-old is currently engaged in negotiations for his new contract with Napoli, as the Partenopei club is looking to increase his release clause to €100 million and make him the face of their team.

To make a Barcelona move even more unlikely, the winger himself has professed his admiration for Real Madrid in several public appearances in the past.

Thus, with all these signs, Barcelona believe that the recent news linking Kvaratskhelia with a move to the Catalan club is only a negotiation tactic from his agent, and are aware that getting him out of the Italian club will be very difficult, even though there is no doubt that he will be a quality addition to Xavi’s squad if Felix or Raphinha leave.