Chelsea and Newcastle in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer blow with Napoli winger set to stay put

CHELSEA and Newcastle will miss out on Kvaratskhelia with Napoli determined to keep him, according to reports.

The 22-year-old Georgian star had been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Newcastle being tipped as a possible destination.

However, as interest grows from Real Madrid and PSG, the Serie A leaders are ready to act fast.

According to Calciomercato, Napoli are prepared to hand the player a substantial pay rise that would see him earn £2.6m per season.

The club would only consider his departure if they receive an offer, including a transfer fee, of more than £100m.

Since signing for Napoli for £8.8 million last summer, Kvaratskhelia has scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists in 30 games across all competitions.

Along with striker Victor Osimhen, the young winger has Napoli on the verge of their first Serie A title since Diego Maradona was in Naples.

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In fact, he's the first player - ever - to achieve both 10 goals and 10 assists, in his inaugural Italian season.

Only four players have been more productive in Europe's top five leagues this season: Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Osimhen.

Italian journalist Gianluca DiMarzio also reported: "I don't think Kvaratskhelia can leave Napoli. He has only been there for one season and it is really unlikely that the club will sell him".

He added that if Osimhen, whose contract expires in June 2025, leaves, then they "do not need to sell Kvaratskhelia".

Osimhen leaving Napoli is a real possibility, with Manchester United the favourites to take him.

Playing in the Champions League is likely to be a priority for the young star.

With Newcastle in the race for the top four, and Chelsea sitting 10th in the Premier League, it seems that he should stay put.