One of the world's best players could have been suiting up for Chelsea if the Premier League side listened to a former club legend
Chelsea could have had Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gracing their starting XI if they'd listened to Pat Nevin's recommendation. The former Scotland international spent five years playing for the Blues and recognised the Georgian's potential long before he became a household name.
Nevin, 62, revealed he urged his old club to snap up the winger, convinced he was destined for the very top of the game. Speaking to Grosvenor Casinos, he said: "I remember three or four years ago trying to tell the whole world there's a guy that's going to be one of the best players in the world called Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and I was getting ignored.
"I was trying to tell everyone to buy him. I tried to tell Chelsea." According to transfermarkt, the 25-year-old is currently valued at £78million, with Nevin going on to describe the forward as the "perfect Arsenal player".
Mikel Arteta's side are understood to be in the market for a new left-winger, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard struggling to deliver consistent output despite Arsenal's strong showings both domestically and in Europe.
The Scotsman explained: "I thought he'd be the perfect Arsenal player to be honest. He's amazing. Currently at the moment in world football, he's probably my favourite player to watch and has been for quite some time."
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Nevin also heaped praise on the back-to-back Champions League winners and the captivating football they produce under boss Luis Enrique. He added: "If I had a favourite team in world football just now, it's PSG.
"They're awesome. I watch football for the beauty, the art, the special things you can do with creativity. That's just a perfect description of PSG at the moment." Kvaratskhelia netted 19 goals and registered 12 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions, finishing just one goal behind Ousmane Dembele in PSG's scoring charts this season.
His outstanding performances haven't prevented speculation suggesting the Georgian could be open to departing Paris, merely two years after his £61m move to the club. The Gunners were touted as potential suitors for the forward, but his father, Badri, dismissed the rumours last month.
He said: "Khvicha leaving PSG? He's not thinking about that. He's happy in Paris, where he is highly valued and respected by [the] club. Why should he think about moving elsewhere when he is winning titles with the team and is one of PSG's key players?
"If PSG no longer wishes to continue the cooperation, we will consider options, but for now, this is not being discussed." Arteta will need to continue searching the market for left-wing alternatives following Anthony Gordon's £70m transfer to Barcelona.
kopbkmory
0
There is scouting And then there is developing the player. Chelsea used to have scouts, but now they have arrogant Sporting Directors and have been hiring Clueless coaches, well excluding Alonso for now, just arrived. If Kvara Doue Barcola joined Chelsea earlier, they would've been wasted.... Chelsea is fucked rn
Jehbcelotz
0
His dream is go to Real Madrid
Habla bla bla Madrid
Jehbcelotz
0
just come to Arsenal
To be made miserable playing ANTISOCCER? Why would anyone do that???
Nonsah
0
just come to Arsenal
AbSixers
1
Funny how you would expect a fine player to leave this in-form PSG club to join Arsenal 😄
is arsenal not in form, and do u want to compare Epl with French league......this PSG squad cannot top epl from week 2 till the end, caroba Cup final, fa Cup semi final and unbeaten run in champions league
Kuubestyz
2
these big teams don't have good scout I watch and follow him from his batuma days and wish arsenal scout see him
Wetakloruy
1
GOOd
Gwinghltd
5
I like psg and Barcelonas in the . Market. they go for the very best even without popularity. they often get good results. same to Bayern.
AFerwPsS1926
4
Funny how you would expect a fine player to leave this in-form PSG club to join Arsenal 😄
duybilmry
2
His dream is go to Real Madrid
miguelbumba
4
Having Khvicha and Saka on both wings would take Arsenal to another level. It's within reach.. Our right wing berth is up for grabs; Martinelli hasn't been that guy for us and on top of it he can't dislodge Trossard..
Dozblopz
2
we also need a good attacking midfielder. a playmaker.
Wiyeikmost
5
Arsenal must buy psg 7 please
Kris12
1
Perfect replacement for Liverpool but Liverpool didn't act fast before PSG smash him