'Agreement' - Fabrizio Romano confirms 'five-year deal ready' for Chelsea & Liverpool 'target'
There is a £59m deal in place that looks set to go through in the coming days.
Chelsea and Liverpool transfer target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Paris Saint-Germain over a move from Napoli this January window.
Kvaratskhelia plays mainly as a left winger, with the ability to also play up front. Liverpool and Chelsea had both been linked with him in recent weeks, but it looks as though the Georgia international won’t be moving to the Premier League. He came to the attention of many during Euro 2024, when he showed himself to be a standout player for his national team. So far this season, Kvaratskhelia has scored five goals and contributed three assists for the Serie A side in 17 appearances.
Chelsea emerged as a potential destination after they were linked to the attacker following reports suggesting that he wanted to leave Napoli during the January window. Liverpool had identified the 23-year-old as a possible long-term replacement for Mo Salah, who is yet to sign a new contract at Anfield, hinting that it will be his last season for the Reds. The Merseyside club were said to be admirers of the player, per The Athletic.
According to Journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, PSG have made an agreement with Napoli in order to sign Kvaratskhelia, and a move could be announced in the coming days. He said: “Paris Saint-Germain have reached a verbal agreement in principle with Napoli for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Deal in place for €70m [£59m] plus add-ons after story revealed here last week. Five year deal ready for Kvara. Final approval from the owners and then… here we go.”
Chelsea turn their attention to Viktor Gyokeres alternative
As it looks like Chelsea won’t be able to pursue the Georgian attacker, Enzo Maresca will likely turn his attention to the striker and centre-back positions, where they are said to been keen on strengthening this month.
The Blues have recently been linked with Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder, who is a cheaper alternative to his teammate, Viktor Gyokeres, who had previously been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United.
Harder, 19, signed for the Portuguese side in the summer transfer window, from Danish side Nordsjaelland, and has since made 23 appearances for Sporting, scoring seven goals and contributing three assists. He is said to be a long-term replacement for Gyokeres, who will likely make a big money move in the summer transfer window, with several Premier League teams a strong possibility.
Maresca aiming to add £70m talent in defence
Chelsea have been linked with several centre-backs as they look to find a replacement for the injured Wesley Fofana. He suffered a hamstring injury which is set to keep him out for the remainder of the season, a big blow for the Blues. They have been linked with signing Crystal Palace star defender Marc Guehi, who was subject to several transfer bids from Newcastle United during the summer transfer window.
Palace held out for their asking price of £75m in the summer, despite reports suggesting that the Magpies offered as much as £70m in order to try and land the England international. Chelsea could make a move for the former Blues academy product, as they look to bolster their back line, in an attempt to keep pace with Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premier League title race.