PSG 'concedes defeat' as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia set to stay at Napoli

The latest news from Italy regarding Khvicha Kvaratskhelia isn't very reassuring for PSG, as he seems closer to extending his contract with Napoli than transferring to PSG, although a final attempt from Paris is expected.

The Khvicha Kvaratskhelia track is cooling significantly for PSG. In recent hours, several Italian media outlets have reported that the 23-year-old Georgian winger is nearing an extension with Napoli, despite strong interest from the Parisian club. La Gazzetta dello Sport has provided a detailed update on the situation, stating that Luis Campos has realized he has no choice but to give up on the Napoli winger.

The pink paper confirms that PSG had initiated discussions with the player's agent and that Kvaratskhelia had expressed his desire to move to France, "convinced by the offer of a five-year contract with an annual salary of €7.5 million." However, while his agent has spoken with PSG, he has always deferred to the goodwill of Aurelio De Laurentiis.

And the president of Napoli quickly made it clear that he was not selling, unless an indecent offer was made, much to the delight of their new coach Antonio Conte, who is counting on the Georgian for his ambitious project and is even going to see him in Germany during the Euros, according to Rai, to outline his plans. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Kvaratskhelia was open to a move to PSG but is not planning to force his way out and would be happy to stay at Napoli for at least one more season.

Napoli has been negotiating with his agent for weeks for an extension, and while positions are not yet aligned regarding the future salary (Napoli has offered €4 million net/year, while the player wants €5 million), an agreement could be reached before the start of the Euros, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (although the official announcement of the agreement could happen later).

READ MORE: Could N'Golo Kante sign for PSG?

PSG 'concedes defeat' as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia set to stay at Napoli

A new meeting is even scheduled for this week between the player's agent and Napoli's management to make progress on this extension, according to this source. "PSG could attempt one last desperate assault, but it is unlikely that De Laurentiis will yield," adds the Italian daily.

This Monday, La Repubblica confirms the same and states that Kvaratskhelia is convinced by Antonio Conte's project and is likely to stay at Napoli for another year. The new Napoli sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has reportedly reopened discussions with the Georgian's agent to finalize an extension and insert a release clause into the player's future contract.

The Italian press also echoed statements from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia over the weekend from the Georgian national team camp. The player notably spoke about the affection of Napoli's fans and his desire to continue giving his all for them.

"I feel a lot of affection in Naples. First of all, I would like to say that the people who are by my side and support me help me a lot. It's a great responsibility. It's a great responsibility because when someone appreciates you, loves you, and you're on the field or off it, you have to try to appreciate them as much as possible and not make them believe they're wrong. You have to justify their hopes. I work hard, and I do everything to make my fans happy. I will do everything, not only for Napoli fans but also for those in Georgia. I will continue like this and try to do more to make my fans happier."