Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly plotting a €120m (£103m) move for one Europe’s most in-demand attackers as they begin their search for a Kylian Mbappe replacement.
Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly plotting a €120m (£103m) move for one Europe’s most in-demand attackers as they begin their search for a Kylian Mbappe replacement.
The Ligue 1 giants are expected to part ways with their all-time leading goalscorer Mbappe when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Mbappe has spent seven hugely successful goal-laden years at the Parc des Princes, netting a total of 255 goals in 306 appearances across all competitions, including 43 strikes in 46 games so far this season.
The 25-year-old has won 14 domestic honours during his time at PSG, including six Ligue 1 title, but he is yet to get his hands on the Champions League and is now keen to make the next step in his career to fulfil his dream of celebrating European glory.
It is one of Europe’s worst-kept secrets that Mbappe has a desire to join Real Madrid, who are expected to finalise his transfer on a free transfer ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
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PSG identify Kvaratskhelia as Mbappe replacement
Should Mbappe’s exit from PSG be confirmed, Fichajes reports that Luis Enrique‘s side will step up their pursuit of Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The report adds that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis valued the 23-year-old at a whopping €120m (£103m), a figure PSG are willing to pay this summer.
Enrique is said to be an admirer of Kvaratskhelia and considers the Georgia international as an ‘ideal reinforcement’ to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign.
PSG could face stern competition for the signature of Kvaratskhelia, though, as the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in the highly-rated winger.
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Kvaratskhelia’s long-term future remains uncertain
Kvaratskhelia has excelled for Napoli since joining in the summer of 2022, contributing with 24 goals and 26 assists in 85 appearances across all tournaments, chipping in with 10 goals and nine assists in 42 matches so far this season.
After winning the Serie A title in his first season at Napoli, Kvaratskhelia is set to miss out on securing European football with the Naples-based outfit for next season, as Francesco Calzona‘s side sit eighth in the table and five points behind the top seven, raising concerns over the winger’s future in Italy.
However, Kvaratskhelia’s father has suggested that Napoli’s No.77 is content in Serie A and would not be surprised to see his son remain at the club beyond this summer’s transfer window.
“I am so happy with Napoli’s title (last season) and that my son Khvicha contributed to winning it,” Kvaratskhelia father, Badri, told Radio Serie A in March. “I am grateful to Italy and Naples for having welcomed and appreciated him as a person and as a footballer.
“He’s the only one who can choose whether to stay at Napoli, but I think he will continue wearing the Napoli shirt. In any case, I will respect his decision.”
Kvaratskhelia, who has three years remaining on his contract, is expected to feature in Napoli’s next league fixture at home against Bologna on Saturday.