Pat Nevin, the former Chelsea and Scotland winger, has revealed that he urged his old club to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia years before the Georgian became a global star. Speaking to Grosvenor Casinos, Nevin admitted he was ignored when he recommended the Paris Saint-Germain forward to Chelsea.
Nevin's Early Recognition of Kvaratskhelia's Talent
Nevin, 62, who spent five years at Chelsea, said he identified Kvaratskhelia's potential when the player was still relatively unknown. '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,' Nevin said. 'I tried to tell everyone to buy him. I tried to tell Chelsea.'
Kvaratskhelia, now 25, is valued at £78 million according to Transfermarkt. He has been instrumental for PSG, scoring 19 goals and providing 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this season, finishing just one goal behind Ousmane Dembele in the club's scoring charts.
The 'Perfect Arsenal Player'
Nevin believes the winger would be an ideal fit for Arsenal, who are reportedly in the market for a left-winger due to inconsistent performances from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. '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,' Nevin added.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is seeking attacking reinforcements after Anthony Gordon completed a £70 million transfer to Barcelona. However, Kvaratskhelia's father, Badri, dismissed speculation that his son might leave PSG. 'Khvicha leaving PSG? He's not thinking about that. He's happy in Paris, where he is highly valued and respected by the club,' Badri said. 'Why should he think about moving elsewhere when he is winning titles with the team and is one of PSG's key players?'
Nevin's Admiration for PSG
Nevin also expressed his admiration for PSG's style under manager Luis Enrique, describing them as his favourite team to watch. '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,' he said.
Despite the speculation, Kvaratskhelia only joined PSG two years ago for £61 million, and his father has made it clear that a move is not on the cards. Arsenal may need to look elsewhere for a left-wing solution as they prepare for the upcoming season.
