Arsenal’s alleged interest in securing the services of Napoli star, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, this summer has seemingly irked the player.

  • Napoli’s Kvicha Kvaratskhelia is reportedly annoyed at talks of Arsenal’s interest in him.
  • The Georgian wideman had a standout season as Napoli clinched the Serie A title last year.
  • Napoli President, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is reportedly prepared to renew Kvaratskhelia’s contract, considering him non-transferable.

Kvaratskhelia ‘annoyed’ by Arsenal’s interest

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 07: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli celebrates victory after the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 07, 2023 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 07: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli celebrates victory after the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and ACF Fiorentina at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 07, 2023 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Arsenal have found themselves in a peculiar situation this summer transfer window as their interest in Napoli’s star player, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, has reportedly stirred up annoyance, rather than flattery, in the Georgian wideman.

The reported annoyance is, perhaps, surprising given Arsenal’s recent heavy investment in the squad and their upcoming Champions League campaign.

This summer, Arsenal’s management, led by Mikel Arteta, have been particularly active, signing Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber to bolster the team.

However, their interest in Kvaratskhelia appears to have hit a snag with the player himself.

Star of Napoli’s Serie A title-winning season

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 21: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 21, 2023 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 21: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 21, 2023 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Kvaratskhelia emerged as one of the brightest stars in Italian football last season, playing a vital role in helping Napoli lift the Serie A crown.

His impressive performances have, understandably, caught the attention of several clubs, including Arsenal and Newcastle.

Despite the widespread interest, Kvaratskhelia is reportedly unenthusiastic about a potential move away from Napoli.

According to Italian news outlet Il Mattino, Kvaratskhelia isn’t considering leaving Naples anytime soon.

Talk of a potential move to Newcastle did not sway him, and the fresh speculation regarding Arsenal’s interest seems to have irritated him.

Napoli’s president ready to secure Kvaratskhelia’s future

MONZA, ITALY - MAY 14: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli runs with the ball during the Serie A match between AC Monza and SSC Napoli at Stadio Brianteo on May 14, 2023 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
MONZA, ITALY – MAY 14: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli runs with the ball during the Serie A match between AC Monza and SSC Napoli at Stadio Brianteo on May 14, 2023 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, is reportedly preparing to extend Kvaratskhelia’s contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

This decision underscores the Georgian’s significance to the team and Laurentiis’ commitment to retain his services despite interest from other clubs.

De Laurentiis’s intention to secure Kvaratskhelia’s contract further signals Napoli’s ambition to continue their successful run.

The Georgian’s current contract, which sees him earn around €1.5m annually, weighs lightly on the club’s balance sheet considering his stellar performances.

Laurentiis appreciates the player’s style, grace, and education, and naturally, his contributions on the pitch.

For Napoli, Kvaratskhelia is untouchable, and the president’s reported answer to the transfer interests from clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle is that the star player is non-transferable.

While the ongoing saga raises questions over Arsenal’s next move, it’s clear that the Gunners’ interest in Kvaratskhelia has complicated their transfer plans.

As the clock ticks down on the summer transfer window, Arteta and his team will need to reassess their strategy and perhaps shift their focus to other targets.