Arsenal, irrespective of what silverware they pick up this term, will be keen to reinforce their ranks going into next season – and Paris Saint-Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is on the club’s summer shortlist.
The Gunners have frequently been linked with attacking reinforcements as Mikel Arteta and his entourage plan ahead of time. Nico Williams of Athletic Club is on their radar and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is also of interest of the Gunners.
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The Argentine will cost around the £129 million mark should Arsenal find a breakthrough in discussions but could Arsenal turn to Kvaratskhelia instead? Journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the situation.
Romano provides update on Arsenal’s Kvaratskhelia pursuit
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: “Many questions about Kvaratskhelia because Kvaratskhelia has been linked with a move to Arsenal. What I can guarantee, guys, is that Paris Saint-Germain see Kvaratskhelia as an absolutely crucial player.
“Paris Saint-Germain absolutely don’t want Kvaratskhelia to leave the club after 13, 14 months at the club, is a bit more than one year now, and they see Kvaratskhelia as an absolutely untouchable player,” he added.
“So, Paris Saint-Germain don’t want to entertain any negotiation for Kvaratskhelia. Then, I maintain for you, guys, I told you already several times, Arsenal want to sign an offensive player in the summer transfer window, could be one, could be two, we will see, also based on outgoings, also based on opportunities.
“So, Arsenal will do something up front, for sure. But, what I can tell you is that for Kvaratskhelia, despite appreciating him and probably in terms of skills, if you see the Arsenal squad right now today, Kvaratskhelia would be the ideal player. That’s just my opinion, but would be ideal for any team.”
Romano added: “Fantastic player, fantastic winger, but for Arsenal, would be the perfect player, probably kind of missing piece in the squad. But the answer I am getting from Paris Saint-Germain is very clear. They absolutely don’t consider an exit for Kvaratskhelia in the summer transfer window. So, this is the position.”
Why Kvaratskhelia was the dream transfer for Arsenal
Still just 25 years of age, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has plenty of years left in the tank before he loses the explosiveness in his legs. A 47-cap Georgia international, he can play on either flank and could rival Bukayo Saka for a spot on the right.
Elsewhere, he could step right into the role on the left and complement Saka on the opposite wing. Kvaratskhelia is a much more direct winger in comparison to the Englishman and he’s got pace to burn.
Also a goal threat, the one-time Champions League winner has notched 18 goal involvements (11 goals and seven assists) in 35 outings across all competitions.
| Statistic | Kvaratskhelia | Saka | Trossard |
| Minutes | 1085 | 2002 | 1688 |
| Goals/Assists | 4/3 | 6/3 | 5/5 |
| Shots per match | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1.7 |
| Key passes per match | 1.3 | 1.9 | 1.2 |
| Dribbles per match | 1.4 | 1.8 | 0.7 |
| Pass success rate (%) | 87.4 | 76.7 | 76 |
| Overall rating | 6.96 | 7.26 | 6.83 |
He’d be an immediate upgrade on what Arteta currently has to work with on the left flank – Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli – and he’d raise the ceiling of what Arsenal are capable of in the final third.
A move for the rapid winger, however, is seemingly now off the cards. Previous reports had suggested that he was happy to remain in Paris – and Romano has now poured even more cold water on the move.
