Liverpool could make ‘huge signing’ in £86m ‘phenomenon’ at Anfield

Liverpool could make a ‘huge signing’ by winning the race for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has already made a lasting impression at Anfield, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Reds broke their club-record transfer outlay when they paid £85million for Darwin Nunez in the summer, but it seems that boss Jurgen Klopp has set his sights on spending even more in the months ahead.

What’s the latest news involving Kvaratskhelia?

It is understood that Liverpool and Chelsea are among the clubs battling it out to sign Kvaratskhelia after enjoying an impressive start to his Napoli career.

Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly in the hunt for the winger as well, along with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, of Ligue 1.

Kvaratskhelia only joined Napoli in a £8.6million deal from Georgian outfit Dinamo Batumi during the summer, but it appears the Italian side are unwilling to sell their talisman unless they recoup substantially more than that figure.

That is because Christian Emile, the 21-year-old’s agent, has revealed that a January move is out of the question and Napoli could seek as much as £86million next summer.

Kvaratskhelia’s contract is not due to expire until the summer of 2027, putting his current employers in a strong negotiating position.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Pete O’Rourke said about Kvaratskhelia?

O’Rourke believes luring Kvaratskhelia to Liverpool, ahead of other European heavyweights, would be a serious statement of intent.

The journalist also feels the 19-cap Georgia international has already shown Klopp what he can produce after impressing in the Champions League group stage clashes against Liverpool.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “He would be a huge signing. He has probably been the most impressive player in Europe this season for Napoli, especially in the Champions League.

“Obviously, Liverpool saw him up close in those two games in the group stages, when he gave them real problems.”

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How did Kvaratskhelia perform against Liverpool?

BT Sport pundits Robbie Fowler and Rio Ferdinand slammed Trent Alexander-Arnold after Liverpool’s 4-1 defeat at Napoli in September, criticising his ‘lack of desire’.

Kvaratskhelia played a key role in the miserable evening for the Merseyside giants as he grabbed an assist and destroyed the right-back.

The Georgian was among the best players on the pitch, clinching a match rating of 7.7 on his Champions League debut.

Although he was unable to stop Napoli falling to a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture at Anfield earlier this month, Kvaratskhelia still had some joy against Alexander-Arnold and former striker Roberto Carlos Sosa claimed the England international ‘didn’t understand anything’ when it came to dealing with the coveted star.

The fact he has earned the nickname Kvaradona, due to similarities to the iconic Diego Maradona, and been described as a ‘phenomenon’ by Italian World Cup-winning legend Beppe Dossena emphasises he would be an asset to any team in world football right now.

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