Having completed the signing of Sandro Tonali from AC Milan just weeks ago, Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on another Serie A star.
Corriere dello Sport reports that the Premier League club have tabled an audacious €95 million bid to sign Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Kvaratskhelia played a prominent role in Napoli’s Scudetto-winning campaign, forming a fearsome partnership with Victor Osimhen, who is also a highly sought-after target for several European clubs.
The Georgian playmaker worked his magic from the left side of Napoli’s attack, registering 14 goals and 17 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions.
Kvaratskhelia, who only joined Napoli from Dinamo Batumi for around €12m last summer, has seen his valuation skyrocket after taking Europe by storm following an outstanding campaign.
The Georgian forward has four years left on his contract with Napoli, so the reigning Italian champions are under no pressure to part ways after just one year.
Newcastle’s proposal suggests the Magpies are determined to land the mesmerising winger, who would be a statement signing for the Tyneside club following their return to the Champions League.
If they succeed with their reported offer, the deal will see them smash their transfer record, eclipsing the £63m paid to sign Swedish forward Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad last summer.
However, Newcastle are yet to receive a response from Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis, who is equally keen to keep his star players at the club next season.
Napoli are already expected to lose Kim Min-jae to Bayern Munich due to a £43m termination clause in the centre-back’s contract and they are determined not to lose any more key players.
De Laurentiis has been playing hardball over Osimhen’s valuation, demanding a staggering €180m to part company with the Nigerian striker, who netted 26 league goals last term.
It will come as no surprise if the Italian president, who is famous for being a tough negotiator, implements the same tactics to ward off interest in Kvaratskhelia.
