Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has insisted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is not for sale this summer despite claims from the player’s agent stating a desire to leave the club.
Kvaratskhelia’s future is in doubt after the Georgian winger’s agent, Mamuka Jugeli, said the 23-year-old wanted to leave Napoli after the club’s failure to secure European football for next season.
“I don’t want people to think that Kvara wants to stay at Napoli. We want to leave, but we are waiting for the end of the Euros so as not to disturb Khvicha. The priority is to join a team that plays in the Champions League,” he said speaking to Georgian TV Sport.
Paris Saint-Germain, who have also been linked with teammate Victor Osimhen, have been credited with interest in Kvaratskhelia, while Liverpool and Chelsea are among the Premier League teams said to be monitoring his situation.
De Laurentiis has emphatically said Napoli will not entertain bids for the winger and said the Italian side want to offer Kvaratskhelia a new contract.
“There are no issues with Kvaratskhelia, he’s under contract and we will offer him new deal. I don’t see any issue,” De Laurentiis said at a summit this week also featuring new head coach Antonio Conte and director of sport Giovanni Manna.
Asked specifically on a reported approach from PSG, he added: “If someone contacted Kvaratskhelia without being authorised and he also presides ECA… we could call them back to order.
“I’m no longer surprised by anything in football, to be honest.”
Conte, who will take charge of Napoli next season, also said he is planning for next season with Kvaratskhelia and full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo as part of his side.
“Kvaratskhelia and Di Lorenzo are key players for me. I’ve been clear on this.
“I have placed an absolute veto for Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, Zambo Anguissa and Kvaratskhelia. There are no doubts. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stays here and he will play for Napoli.
“There are no doubts, it’s all clear. Kvara will stay here with us.”
