Liverpool could be set to bolster their attacking options this month with a move for one of the leading stars of Serie A. Manager Arne Slot has been coy over the prospects of new signing in January, with his side currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
However, the Reds are now connected with Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has been a revelation since arriving from Dinamo Batumi in 2022.
In his maiden season, the Georgian international helped his side land a first top-flight title in 33 years, and has gone to make 107 club appearances, scoring 30 goals.
But his long career in Italy is suddenly put into doubt, without the Napoli leaders offering him a new contract. Kvaratskhelia’s current contract expires in 2027 and the scenario has alerted many European clubs.
And according to the Athletic, Liverpool are monitoring the situation. Although Slot has a wide range of attacking players, Harvey Elliott and Darwin Núñez appear to be falling out of favour, while Federico Chiesa has played lightly since his summer departure from Juventus.
And it’s Chiesa who may hold they key to a move for Kvaratskhelia. Napoli are reportedly interested in bringing the 27-year-old back to Serie A, opening the door for a potential swap deal between the two clubs.
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Slot machines also seem to have a trading tool. Kvaratskhelia’s foreign teammate, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, has already signed for Liverpool and will head to Anfield next summer after being loaned directly to Valencia following his transfer agreement.
The adaptability of the forward makes him an attractive proposition for Liverpool. He has been mostly deployed on the left wing by Napoli, but is also capable of playing on the right or picking up a central role.
The Merseyside club, however, will face a festival for his signing. PSG and Chelsea are also said to be interested, with Napoli most likely receiving a significant payout given their age and long-term potential.
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This week, Slot did admit that the club were monitoring the players available to buy in January. But he also insisted he was happy with the current depth of his squad and the quality of his players.
“This club has looked at the market,” he said. “We did it with the goalkeeper (Mamardashvili), who we don’t have yet. If there is an opportunity in the market, this club will try to take advantage of it. The team is in a smart position.
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