'Magnificent' Mikel Arteta target now 'annoyed' by Arsenal transfer links - Arsenal Insider

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Arsenal have expressed their interest in signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli this summer but suggestions of a transfer to Emirates Stadium have ‘annoyed’ the winger.

That is according to Il Mattino, which reports that Kvaratskhelia is unhappy to be associated with a move to Arsenal from Napoli. He has also already rebuffed interest in a switch to the Premier League from Newcastle United. The 22-year-old did not falter as the Toon swooped.

Kvaratskhelia happily overlooked the possible riches that a move to St James’ Park may yield given the Magpies’ Saudi-backed ownership. The Georgia talent has a perfectly clear mind when it comes to staying at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona a year on from his arrival.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli looks on during the pre- — Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

Why Pele Is Overrated.

Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s stance on a transfer to Arsenal

Napoli raided Dinamo Batumi to sign Kvaratskhelia for just £10m last July and tied him to a contract until 2027. Il Mattino adds that his deal is also only worth €1.5m-a-year (£25k-a/w) gross. Yet he is not knocking on president Aurelio de Laurentiis’ door chasing better terms.

An improved salary does not fuel Kvaratskhelia, despite Serie A selecting him as its Player of the Year in 2022/23. He and his entourage are not even considering demanding a fresh deal. Instead, the attacker accepts that he agreed to a long-term deal and will honour the terms.

Arsenal have expressed an interest in signing the Georgia winger

Napoli believe Kvaratskhelia has no limits to his ability thanks to boasting superb speed and creativity. He stunned in Serie A last term with 12 goals and 13 assists from 34 games as the Azzurri won the Scudetto. He also hit two goals and four assists in the Champions League.

Such creativity captivated Arsenal, who Football Transfers claims have expressed an interest in Kvaratskhelia’s transfer from Napoli. The Azzurri have already rebuffed an attempt by the Gunners to sign the forward this year. But Mikel Arteta developed fresh confidence recently.

Emirates Stadium chiefs believed Victor Osimhen staying at Napoli would help them to seal Kvaratskhelia’s transfer. The Azzurri have also hired Mauro Meluso as their sporting director. He has a brilliant relationship with the Gunners after recommending they sign Jakub Kiwior.

SSC Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in pre-season training amid transfer interest from Arsenal — Photo by Antonio Balasco/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images

Arsenal will have to offer Napoli an eye-watering sum to sign Kvaratskhelia, though. Reports by Il Mattino in July noted that Saudi intermediaries were ready to table a €90m (£77m) bid for the winger who has enthralled Thierry Henry to join Newcastle. But it would be too low.

What has Thierry Henry said about Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

Henry hailed Kvaratskhelia on CBS Sports (07/09/22, 22:05) last season after he enjoyed ‘an amazing game’ against Liverpool. The forward had helped Napoli to beat the Reds 4-1 in the Champions League after laying on one assist. It was also his debut in the UEFA competition.

Henry added: “He’s been magnificent. The run and awareness. People will say, ‘Well, what’s so difficult about that?’ Some people don’t see what’s happening on the field and his head was always up.”