Nevin says Kvaratskhelia is Arsenal's perfect signing after Chelsea ignored his early tip

Pat Nevin has revealed he tried to convince Chelsea to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia years before the Georgian winger established himself as one of the world’s best players — and now believes Arsenal should move for him this summer.

Nevin, 62, who spent five years at Stamford Bridge during his playing career, said he spotted Kvaratskhelia’s potential long before the wider football world caught on. “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 was trying to tell everyone to buy him. I tried to tell Chelsea.”

The former Scotland international went on to describe the 25-year-old as his favourite player in world football and identified him as a natural fit for Mikel Arteta’s system. “I thought he’d be the perfect Arsenal player to be honest,” Nevin said. “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.”

Arsenal are understood to be in the market for a new left-winger this summer, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard failing to deliver consistent output despite the club’s strong performances domestically and in Europe. The need has been further sharpened by Anthony Gordon’s £70m move to Barcelona.

Kvaratskhelia, currently valued at £78m on Transfermarkt, joined PSG from Napoli for £61m in January 2024 and has since helped the club win back-to-back Champions League titles. He recorded 19 goals and 12 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions this season, finishing just one goal behind Ousmane Dembélé in PSG’s scoring charts.

Nevin also praised the brand of football PSG produce under Luis Enrique. “If I had a favourite team in world football just now, it’s PSG,” he said. “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.”

Despite speculation linking Kvaratskhelia with a potential exit from Paris, his father Badri moved to dismiss the rumours last month. “Khvicha leaving PSG? He’s not thinking about that,” Badri said. “He’s happy in Paris, where he is highly valued and respected by the club. Why should he think about moving elsewhere when he is winning titles with the team and is one of PSG’s key players? If PSG no longer wishes to continue the cooperation, we will consider options, but for now, this is not being discussed.”