Napoli boss Antonio Conte has revealed that winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave the club in the current transfer window.
Kvaratskhelia has been instrumental for Napoli since he joined the club from Georgian side Dinamo Batumi in the summer of 2022.
The winger played a key role in the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 12 goals and registering 13 assists to help Napoli end their 33-year wait for the Serie A title.
Two seasons on, Kvaratskhelia has been a regular feature in Napoli's latest title challenge, having started 15 of his 17 league appearances this term, contributing with five goals and three assists.
However, it appears that the Georgia international is not willing to stay at the club for the second half of their Scudetto bid.
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'Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave' - Conte
Kvaratskhelia has been heavily linked with a move away, having failed to reach an agreement with Napoli over a new contract, with his current deal set to expire in the summer of 2027.
Conte has now dropped a massive bombshell ahead of Sunday's clash with Hellas Verona, revealing that Kvaratskhelia has made a request to leave the club in the current transfer window.
"He asked the club to be sold, without mincing his words. This is what was said to me, the player has confirmed his decision to me" Conte told reporters in Saturday's pre-match press conference as quoted by Football Italia.
"Personally I feel very disappointed because I spent six months trying to make Kvara feel at the centre of the project, working with him, showing him that we could do something great and also working with the club for six months on the renewal.
"From my point of view, it's a great disappointment. Today I have to take a step back. I can't keep those who want to leave tied up in chains. I did that in the summer and had six months to convince all the parties to find a solution.
"I realise that the news has come out of the blue, but now I am taking a step back and it's right that the club and Kvara's entourage resolve the situation."
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PSG leading Liverpool, Man United in Kvaratskhelia race
Conte's bombshell revelation will alert a number of top Premier League sides, including Liverpool and Manchester United.
The two rivals have been linked with a potential move, although they may have their work cut out to beat PSG in the race for Kvaratskhelia's signature.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, PSG have already reached an agreement over personal terms with the Napoli attacker.
The update claims that PSG are willing to offer Kvaratskhelia up to five times what he currently earns at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The Ligue 1 champions are currently in negotiations with the Italian club, who are demanding around €80m (£67m) to sanction the winger's departure.
