Barcelona dealt blow as €80 million-rated target on track to sign renewal until 2028

By now it has been well-established that Barcelona will enter into the market in the summer with the aim of signing a pivot midfielder and a left winger.

The Blaugrana see these two positions as key to strengthening the squad before next season and have identified multiple targets for both slots.

As far as the left wing is concerned, one of the names that is very well-liked at the Catalan outfit is Napoli speedster Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The Georgian international has been on Barcelona’s radar for some time, with the club being impressed by his dribbling ability, speed, and productivity in the final third.

Kvaratskhelia slipping away

Despite Barcelona’s interest in Kvaratskhelia, signing him in the upcoming summer transfer window would have been an arduous challenge owing to the club’s financial situation.

Now, it is set to get even more difficult as SPORT reports that the winger has begun contract negotiations with Napoli.

Kvaratskhelia to renew his contract at Napoli. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

While the 23-year-old is attracting interest, Napoli are eager to keep hold of him, at least for one more year, and have opened renewal talks.

Kvaratskhelia’s current contract with the Serie A champions runs until the summer of 2027, but his wages are low compared to some of the other members of the team.

As such, Napoli are proposing a new deal with a significant improvement in wages and an extension of one year until 2028. Talks are understood to be on track.

It is said that the contract might also include a release clause which is reasonable and realistic so that there is a possibility of an exit in the future which is good for all parties.

Barcelona have been keeping themselves informed about Kvaratskhelia’s situation at Napoli. They know the player well and like him, although they see him as inconsistent at times.

For now, though, all signs point towards Kvaratskhelia renewing and continuing in Napoli.