Arsenal’s interest in Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been boosted by their pre-existing relationship with Napoli’s new sporting director, Mauro Meluso.

• Arsenal express interest in Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with a prior connection with new sporting director Mauro Meluso serving as an advantage.
• Mauro Meluso, who recommended Jakob Kiwior to Arsenal before becoming Spezia’s sporting director, might play a vital role in the transfer of Kvaratskhelia.
• While securing the Georgian winger could require a substantial bid, Arsenal’s ambitious signings, including the £105 million acquisition of Declan Rice, suggest that the club is ready to invest heavily.

Arsenal’s ambitions: Targeting Napoli’s Kvaratskhelia

Arsenal are seemingly eyeing Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as a potential addition to their forward line.

The Gunners believe the likelihood of Victor Osimhen staying at Napoli might work in their favour in terms of negotiations.

The connection with Napoli’s sporting director

A unique aspect of this transfer scenario is Arsenal’s relationship with Napoli’s new sporting director, Mauro Meluso.

A solid rapport exists between the two entities, founded when Meluso recommended Jakob Kiwior to the Gunners before his stint as Spezia’s sporting director.

Arsenal acted on Meluso’s suggestion, signing Kiwior for €25m in January.

The interest in Kvaratskhelia

The 22-year-old Georgian international, Kvaratskhelia, has made a name for himself as one of the world’s top wingers.

Despite Napoli already rejecting a Premier League bid for the player’s transfer, Arsenal might have a window of opportunity this time around.

With Osimhen likely to stay at Napoli, it is believed that the Italian club may be more open to negotiating a transfer for Kvaratskhelia.

Potential obstacles

Despite the mutual respect and shared history, securing a deal for Kvaratskhelia won’t be an easy task for the Gunners.

Napoli have publicly stated that they have no plans to sell their star players, and the club is renowned for its firm negotiating skills.

What Kvaratskhelia brings to Arsenal

Kvaratskhelia’s potential impact on Arsenal should not be underestimated.

The Georgian winger was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A victory last season and his technical prowess aligns with Mikel Arteta’s system of play.

Kvaratskhelia scored 12 and assisted 13 in 34 Serie A games last season, with a further two goals and four assists in nine Champions League games.

The financial implications

Although Arsenal have shown their willingness to make big moves, with a prime example being the £105 million signing of Declan Rice from West Ham, acquiring Kvaratskhelia might require a record-breaking sum.

To finance such a purchase, the club may need to offload some of its existing squad members, something they intend to do anyway.

Despite the significant financial implications and the tough negotiations that lie ahead, Arsenal’s interest in Kvaratskhelia speaks volumes about the club’s ambitions.

With the right moves, this could be a transfer saga to keep an eye on.

Kvaratskhelia is currently valued at around €85m and is under contract until 2027.