Conte tells Chelsea his 'categorical' transfer stance on Kvaratskhelia

Tom Weber

• Updated: 26 Jun 2024 17:11 BST
• 3 min read

Antonio Conte categorically ruled out the sale of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at his Napoli unveiling.

The former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach has landed his first job in over a year, taking charge of 2023 Scudetto winners Napoli after a pitiful title defence last season.

The tactician has now been officially presented by the Serie A giants and he was peppered with questions by Italian journalists at his unveiling. One of the topics on everyone's lips was, naturally, the future of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

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Both his father and his agent recently caused a stir by openly stating that the Georgian winger is looking to leave Napoli this summer, even prompting an official club statement insisting that the 23-year-old is not for sale.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Kvaratskhelia is on the radar of Chelsea, while PSG also hold an interest in him following the departure of Kylian Mbappe for Real Madrid.

Conte's 'categorical' response

Speaking at his press conference, Conte was unambiguous about the fact that Kvaratskhelia is firmly in his plans for next season. "Kvara remains, I was categorical about this. Did I give you any news? No, the president gave it."

The news Conte is referring to is Aurelio de Laurentiis' lengthy comment on Kvaratskhelia, with the Napoli boss expressing indignation at the fact that PSG have 'tapped up' the Georgian and insisting that he will offer him a new contract.

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“On Kvara, the matter is simple. We have a contract with him, I will sit with my management, with him and his agent and we will make him a proposal for a contractual change [extension]. I don't see any problems."

"A problem could be for those who, contra legem, make contracts and offers without being authorised by the club. So one, if he wanted, could also call them to order. And if the president of the ECA [PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi] does it, he should preside rather than command."

"But now at 75 years old, I'm not surprised at who is correct and who isn't, I always try to be correct by nature."