Latest developments
- Manchester United are keen on signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli.
- The Italian side will consider selling him in the summer.
- Barcelona have previously been interested in the Georgian star.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): Italian sources seem in the know
Man Utd are planning to swoop for Napoli's left-winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the summer if the Georgian does not sign a new deal with the Italian club.
This news comes from Italian site Sport Mediaset, who claim the Red Devils are lining up a five-year deal worth €9 million per year, a significant improvement on the €6 million per year that Napoli have already offered.
Value (3/5): Napoli have time to get their price
They seem to be in a rush to sell, but come the end of this season, Kvaratskhelia will still have two years left on his current contract, so Napoli can still grind out a high price for the 23-year-old.
His most recent Transfermarkt valuation was €80 million, but that was before he shone at UEFA Euro 2024 and began this season with seven goal involvements in 13 Serie A fixtures. With Barcelona also sniffing around, United may have to break their transfer record.
Suitability (4.5/5): Excellent in a 3-4-3
A tricky winger, expert dribbler and goal contributor will be a fantastic fit on the left side of attack in the 3-4-3 system that Ruben Amorim is beginning to implement at Barcelona.
The Serie A winner should have no problem making his name in the Premier League, but no experience in England is the only minor question mark.
Upgrade? (4/5): Healthy competition on the left
Centre-forward and right-winger are bigger causes for concern for United's attack, while on the left, Alejandro Garnacho is one of the side's brighter options, while Marcus Rashford is at least 1/1 under Amorim.
“Kvaradona” looks to be a couple of steps ahead of Garnacho in terms of development, while rumours of Rashford leaving in January could free up space on the left for the Georgian.
Logic (4/5): Time for a new challenge
More money is certainly a plus, but on the field, Khvicha has already achieved great things at Napoli, and could well leave with another Serie A winner's medal in the summer.
United, though, are very unlikely to be able to offer UEFA Champions League football next season, unlike other suitors Barcelona, or even Napoli.
Whisper+ verdict: 19/25
A lot of plusses here for Man Utd and Kvaratskhelia, but will the flying winger want to spend his best years in a rebuilding project? And perhaps United should spend big in positions of greater need.
