PSG’s transfer move jeopardises Barcelona’s pursuit of €55m-rated Premier League star | OneFootball

It has been close to two weeks since the January transfer window opened and we are all set to see the first big move of the trading period.

PSG are all set to sign Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a former target of FC Barcelona, with the Italian club’s manager Antonio Conte confirming that the player has asked for an exit.

According to SPORT, PSG will be shelling out a fee of €70 million plus another €10 million in variables to land the Georgian winger in the coming days.

While the Parisians are taking away one of Barcelona’s options to reinforce the left wing in the near future, they are also hampering the Catalans’ immediate transfer plans as well.

Napoli to move for Marcus Rashford

Indeed, as per the aforementioned report from SPORT, Napoli will now move for Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford – a player that Barcelona want to sign in the current window – to replace Kvaratskhelia.

Barça have made the 27-year-old Englishman a priority for this month and are exploring a loan move, with a meeting already held with his agent.

However, the interest from Napoli is likely to complicate Barcelona’s hopes of securing a loan deal for the Manchester United forward.

For Rashford, a move to the Partenopei could present the opportunities he currently lacks at Manchester United. He would have a key role in the team, filling the void left by Kvaratskhelia while helping Napoli in the Serie A title race – one which they are currently leading.

New suitors for Marcus Rashford. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It is also claimed that Rashford would welcome the chance to reunite with former Manchester United teammate Scott McTominay, who is now a vital player for Napoli.

Barcelona can offer UCL

While Napoli may have several advantages in their pursuit of Rashford, they also face significant challenges.

Chief among these is the absence of European football this season, while Barcelona are well-positioned in the UEFA Champions League. The prestigious tournament offers Rashford an opportunity to showcase his talent on a continental stage.

In financial terms, Napoli, Barcelona, and AC Milan – another interested party – are operating under similar parameters.

Rashford is reportedly not prioritising monetary gain, and his loan move would involve covering his remaining salary for the season, approximately €3 million net.

However, Manchester United could also factor into the equation, leveraging Napoli’s potential €80 million windfall from the Kvaratskhelia sale.

They may demand a permanent transfer fee or include an option to buy for Rashford, who is valued at around €55 million.