This week, reports from the English media claimed Newcastle United are interested in the signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli.
It was said that the Magpies have put the 21-year-old on top of their wish list, and to bring him to St. James’ Park, they’d need to spend around €57m.
The news immediately made some noise in the Italian press, where transfer rumours involving Napoli are always very strong, and they ended up being refuted by a specific journalist.
On Twitter, Carlo Alvino made it clear that he doesn’t believe in that price tag, claiming Newcastle would need to at least double that to take the player from Napoli.
“News like that makes me laugh. Knowing Aurelio De Laurentiis well, I feel I can say that the president will keep the player close for several years,” said Alvino.
“Kvara’s age and skill make all the difference. Then if you want to make an assessment for less than 120 million, you don’t even start talking.”
Kvaratskhelia has been linked to several Premier League clubs in the past few months, and that’s undoubtedly something that makes his market price go up.
Napoli spent €10m to sign him from Georgian side Dinamo Batumi last summer, and despite being a young player arriving in a new league, he was able to have a quick impact at the Serie A side, with eight goals and 10 assists in only 17 appearances so far.
