Arsenal’s hopes of landing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer have taken a firm hit, after the Paris Saint-Germain winger’s camp made their position on his future pretty clear.
The Gunners have been exploring options on the left side of attack ahead of the transfer window, with uncertainty lingering around Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard’s long-term futures at the Emirates.
That has naturally led to speculation about big-name replacements, and Kvaratskhelia’s name has been repeatedly linked in recent months.
It’s easy to see why. The Georgia international, signed by PSG for around £59m, has quickly become one of the standout attacking players in Europe. On Tuesday night alone, he scored twice in a thrilling 5-4 Champions League semi-final first-leg win over Bayern Munich, a performance that only strengthened his reputation on the biggest stage.
But any talk of an imminent move away from Paris has now been firmly shut down by his family.
Speaking to Georgian outlet Kviris Palitra, Kvaratskhelia’s father, Badri, poured cold water on the speculation linking his son with Arsenal or other Premier League sides, making it clear the player is fully focused on PSG.
“Yes, there are often reports about the interest of Arsenal or other English clubs, but my son does not pay attention to such reports,” he said.
He continued by stressing how settled Kvaratskhelia is in France, adding: “He is an outstanding player on one of the best teams in Europe. They appreciate him, love him, play for him, and why should he think about changing clubs?”
The message from the family is that there is simply no motivation to leave right now, especially with PSG competing at the top level of European football. Badri Kvaratskhelia also highlighted the winger’s role within the squad, insisting he is both trusted and central to the team’s plans.
“Khvicha plays for a very strong and successful club, where he is loved and trusted,” he said. “He is one of the leading players in the club, who are the holders of the Champions League and are semi-finalists in this year’s tournament. Why should he think about leaving somewhere else?”
There was, however, a small hint that situations can always change in football, even if nothing is currently on the table.
“If PSG no longer has the desire to continue the cooperation, we will also think about leaving,” he added. “But at this stage, this topic is not even being discussed.”
For now, the idea of Kvaratskhelia leaving Paris feels distant. He is playing regularly, contributing in decisive matches, and appears settled in both his football and life in the French capital.
That sentiment has also been echoed by the player himself. Speaking to Le Parisien, he described his time in Paris with real appreciation, saying: “For me, Paris is truly extraordinary. You have everything here, and above all, this is the city of love.”
He also spoke about how the move felt personal as well as professional, adding: “When PSG contacted me, I thought my wife was the happiest person in the world.”
Reflecting on joining a club that has recently featured some of football’s biggest names, he admitted the decision wasn’t simple. “In my mind, I think it’s very difficult to go there when there are great players like [Lionel] Messi, Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappe. I love everything about Paris.”
From Arsenal’s perspective, the message is fairly straightforward. One of Europe’s most in-form wide forwards is not actively looking for a move, and PSG see him as a key figure in their project going forward.
Still, transfer windows have a way of shifting quickly. For now though, Kvaratskhelia appears firmly rooted in Paris, and Arsenal may need to look elsewhere as they plan for potential changes in attack this summer.
