Blues given hope in hunt for Nap star

CITY have been told they have a huge advantage over Arsenal and the rest of the Premier League in any pursuit of signing Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the summer.

The 22-year-old has scored 19 goals and assisted another 22 for Napoli, helping them to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

City have been heavily linked with a move for the Georgia international, with them reportedly sending scouts to watch him in action for his country against Spain in November.

Napoli’s poor 2023/24 season, which sees them ninth after 19 games, has left the future of Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen in doubt ahead of the summer.

Napoli remain keen on tying the winger down to a new contract, which could include a release clause. A fee of £87million-£100million has been touted.

Fortunately for Pep Guardiola’s team, their hopes of adding Kvaratskhelia to their squad have been handed a huge boost following comments from his agent, Mamuka Jugeli.

Jugeli has claimed that Kvaratskhelia would rather move to the Etihad Stadium.

He said: “Napoli increased [Victor] Osimhen’s contract, but Khvicha wouldn’t accept a transfer to Saudi even if he offered him a billion euros.

“For example, he would probably agree to play for Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Manchester City.

“Khvicha has different desires and goals – he wants to succeed and he is already achieving it.”