Patience required from Newcastle and Man City over signing of sensational €100m target

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When the doors open for this summer’s transfer window, we can be assured that the likes of Newcastle and Manchester City will aim to be at the head of the queue for the world’s best footballing talent.

It’s understood that both clubs will have extensive funds available to buy players given the apparent riches of the boards at each.

According to Sky News, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) that own Newcastle, are worth a staggering £315bn, whilst City’s owner, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is reported to have a personal wealth of $20bn (£16.1m) by Goal.com, a drop in the ocean by comparison.

Both are significant amounts, and means that even players that will cost north of £100m are well within reach.

One superstar who has had a breakout season at Napoli is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and many of the storied European clubs appear to be interested in his signature.

According to FootMercato, the player who cost Napoli just €10m a year ago from Rubin Kazan will cost at least €100m now.

Kvaratskhelia is now one of the most talked about wingers in the world

That’s some uplift in transfer fee, but with 14 goals and 14 assists (per WhoScored) to help the Serie A side to close in on their first league title since the 1980s, it’s difficult to argue that he’s not worth every penny.

Talking to GiveMeSport, journalist Ben Jacobs noted the interest in the player from both City and Newcastle, but despite their apparent riches, they’ll have to wait to get their hands on the player affectionately being known as ‘Kvaradona.’

“There will be demand, and Newcastle and Manchester City are two of the clubs in particular, along with others like Real Madrid and PSG, that are looking at Kvaratskhelia,” Jacobs said.

“It’s obvious why because ultimately, he’s had a standout season, scoring goals and getting assists for fun.”

Patience is a virtue in this case because FootMercato say that Napoli will increase the player’s salary and extend his contract to 2028, with a view to a potential sale at a price to be agreed in 2024.

Neither Premier League club is therefore ruled out of the race but it seems they’ll need to wait for a year before being able to negotiate.

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