Napoli director offers update on reported Manchester City transfer interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

After recent reports had linked Manchester City with a sensational move for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in recent weeks, one director from the Serie A giants has offered an update on the situation.

Earlier this week, it was suggested by reports in Italy that the reigning English top-flight champions held an interest in the Georgian forward.

According to the information of Italian newspaper Calciomercato, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, the performances of Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Serie A and the Champions League had caught the eye of both Liverpool and Manchester City.

Details were provided via journalist Daniele Longo, who reported that the Georgian winger was ‘impressing everyone’ and officials from both Anfield and the Etihad Stadium were now following him with ‘great attention’.

#ManCity are following Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with ‘great attention’.

[@cmdotcom via @Sport_Witness]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) October 19, 2022

However, since the initial reporting of interest from England, officials at the Serie A club have now come out and denied such information.

As relayed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano this week, Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli has responded to the recent claims suggesting the Premier League champions held an interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

"There’s absolutely nothing," he opened.

"I can tell you that (Khvicha) Kvaratskhelia is 100% untouchable.

"He’s absolutely not on the market."

Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli on Kvaratskhelia and Man City rumours: “There’s absolutely nothing”. 🚨🇬🇪 #transfers

“I can tell you that Kvaratskhelia is 100% untouchable. He’s absolutely NOT on the market”. pic.twitter.com/XCv1lHxt31

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 26, 2022

While denials of transfer rumours are always expected mid-season, the situation may change as the summer transfer window of 2023 approaches.

Manchester City are expected in many corners to be eyeing up another major summer of change in various positions, such is their ever-present desire to keep on improving season on season.

One position that the club are likely to explore in the market is central midfield.

City officials are currently exploring the intentions of both Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, with the latter into the final season of his current contract.

As for the aforementioned Portuguese playmaker, he has shown an interest in moving closer to home in recent seasons, with Barcelona mooted to be a likely destination should he ever push for an exit, and should Manchester City see their valuation of the player matched.

As for Gundogan, officials at the Etihad Stadium still remain keen on opening talks over a new contract, although any negotiations are likely to be placed on hold until after the World Cup.