Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a winger for Napoli who has said he “feels so at home” with the Serie A leaders, has “absolutely no chance” of quitting the team, according to Cristiano Giuntoli, the club’s director.
The Georgian international, who joined Napoli from Dinamo Batumi in July, has been crucial to the team’s successful start to the campaign, which has seen Luciano Spalletti’s team lead Serie A by eight points.
No player has contributed to more goals directly this season than Kvaratskhelia (11; six goals, five assists), and only teammate Victor Osimhen, who leads the Italian top flight in goals scored, has a higher total (nine).
The 21-year-old’s performances have generated interest from several clubs, with Premier League side Newcastle United reportedly making him their top target and set to offer £50 million (€57.3m) in the forthcoming January transfer window.
But when asked about the speculation, Giuntoli told SportExpress: “There is absolutely no chance of us letting him leave, regardless of how much the offer is.”
Meanwhile, Kvaratskhelia feels settled in Naples, telling students during an event at the Federico II University: “Neapolitans live for football, I realised that from the very first moment I arrived here.
“The first time I played at the Stadio Maradona is when I truly felt like a professional footballer. The people of Naples expect a lot from us, so it’s important to always work at the highest level. I thank them, because they give us so much love.
“Neapolitans and Georgians both put family first and foremost, which is also why I feel so at home here.”