Former Italy international Christian Vieri has compared Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to George Best amid the recent speculation surrounding the Napoli forward's future.
Kvaratskhelia has been in impressive form for his Italian club during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering 15 assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.
The 22-year-old is thought to be on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in world football, with Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United all linked with his services.
Kvaratskhelia scored an eye-catching goal against Atalanta BC in Serie A at the weekend, weaving through a number of defenders before firing the ball into the back of the net.
© Reuters
Vieri has said that "the days of George Best will return" if Man United are able to bring the Georgia international to Old Trafford.
Best is widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the 20-time English champions, representing the club between 1963 and 1974, scoring 179 goals in the process.
"The goal he scored was the stuff of madness! If he goes to Manchester United, the days of George Best will return. Kvaratskhelia is the same. I can't wait for Wednesday to see Napoli play," Vieri said on his Bobo TV Twitch channel.
Kvaratskhelia represented Rubin Kazan between 2019 and 2022, but he departed the club last year due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The attacker joined Napoli from Dinamo Batumi last July, penning a five-year contract with the club, and he has proved to be an inspired signing by the Serie A outfit.
© Reuters
Kvaratskhelia's agent recently revealed that the player is a Real Madrid amid suggestions that Los Blancos are keen to bring him to Bernabeu in a big-money deal.
Mamuka Jugeli told Geo Team: "His father, Badri, and I are fans of Barcelona, but Kvara loves Real Madrid.
"He's a player who has what it takes to play at that level; he's good enough to play for any team in the world. If I saw him in the Barca shirt, I'd be very happy - but he's a Madridista."
However, Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli recently insisted that the attacker was not for sale despite the ongoing transfer speculation.
Man United are expected to sign at least one new forward during the summer transfer window, with Kvaratskhelia's teammate Victor Osimhen also said to be a leading target.
Matt Law
