How Chelsea could fit elite winger into their plans despite £1bn of talent already there | OneFootball

Chelsea have a lot of options in attack, but that doesn’t stop them being linked with new ones.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli looks very much on the way out, in the summer if not this month. CaughtOffside’s piece on his future focuses on Liverpool, but also mentions Chelsea as interested.

Is that realistic?

As always the question is over price. Kvaratskhelia is quality, but as an established elite player at a big club, the fee he commands may put Chelsea off entirely. However the Georgian’s contract standoff with the Neapolitans may open the door for a discount deal – but the bidding war with top teams likely to ensue may kill that avenue off too.

Chelsea would have to sell to make it work

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia playing for Napoli.

Chelsea’s attacking options are plentiful after more than £1bn spent, but it will be very interesting to see how the sporting structure regard those already in place.

Noni Madueke has had some great spells and some poor ones. Pedro Neto hasn’t really yet lived up to his price tag. Jadon Sancho has done well, but maybe doesn’t have the elite speed to be world class. Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku are barely playing. Most would consider Kvaratskhelia an upgrade on all these guys, and he’s still just 23.

Of course, any of these players has the chance to go to the next level in the second half of the season and show they’re the real deal. Then there’s also the impending arrival of Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez to throw into the mix.

The competition is already red hot, with a demanding manager using the leverage of so many alternatives to get the best out of his attackers. If one can’t stand the heat, they may drop out and we could see some unlikely world where Kvaratskhelia becomes next summer’s marquee signing.