- 22 hours ago
Revealed: Why Kvaratskhelia NOT Rashford is first on PSG wishlist
Exclusive
Luis Enrique has asked Paris Saint-Germain to focus their efforts on replacing Kylian Mbappe as a left winger, NOT as a No.9 central striker, the Transfers Podcast understands.
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Mbappe spent large parts of the season as a centre forward under his Spanish manager having previously expressed a distaste for the position under former PSG boss Christophe Galtier.
He scored 44 goals in 48 games for the French champions, exchanging roles between the striking berth and the left-hand side.
One of the top options for the left-sided position is Napoli's Georgia international, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
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The 23-year-old was the Serie A player of the season in his first year at Napoli when they won the Scudetto, scoring 12 goals and creating a large number of chances for his team.
Like Mbappe, he’s fast, excellent one-on-one and is one of the very best pressing wingers in Serie A.
PSG have made a salary offer to the player, but they've not made an offer to Napoli as yet. They're aware that the asking price from Napoli is going to be over €100 million, which they think is too high.
And they're also concerned that with Antonio Conte due to come in as Napoli coach, that the transfer will be blocked.
Alternatives have included Marcus Rashford, a player that PSG have pursued for two seasons now and, interestingly, would be available for transfer by Manchester United if the right fee was offered.
However, PSG are NOT focusing on Rashford because Luis Enrique sees him more as a No.9 than left winger.
PSG agree deal for goalkeeper
Mbappe leaves Paris this summer at the end of his contract, having become the club’s all-time top goalscorer after joining in 2017.
The France captain is widely expected to confirm a move to Real Madrid in the near future.
Meanwhile, PSG have agreed a deal for an initial €18m with Krasnodar for the Russian international goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, who they want to come in and put pressure on Gianluigi Donnarumma.
And despite strong interest from English clubs, they intend to bring Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons back from a highly successful loan spell at RB Leipzig for the coming season.
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