Scout Reveals Why Arsenal Turned Down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a £3m Gamble

Arsenal’s Transfer Regret revealed how passing on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in 2022 proved to be a costly mistake, while their chosen alternative failed to deliver.

Arsenal’s transfer regret revealed as former Eastern Europe scout Tomasz Pasieczny explains why the club decided not to sign Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in 2022. At the time, Kvaratskhelia was playing for Rubin Kazan before moving to Dinamo Batumi, eventually securing a high-profile transfer to Napoli for around £11 million. Since then, he has flourished, earning a move to Paris Saint-Germain for £70 million and playing a key role in their Champions League campaign.

Pasieczny monitored Kvaratskhelia closely but was concerned about his ability to handle pressure. During a match in Kazan against Dynamo Moscow, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came off the bench but struggled under the pressure, failing two dribbles and losing confidence as the crowd reacted negatively. Arsenal’s scout, Tomasz Pasieczny, told Weszlo that at the time, Kvaratskhelia couldn’t handle the criticism, raising concerns about his mental resilience.

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Despite his talent, Arsenal hesitated, unsure if he could cope at a big club. Pasieczny noted that while everyone recognized his potential, there were doubts about whether he would reach the absolute top level. Further observation was necessary to determine whether he could overcome his struggles with pressure.

Ultimately, Arsenal decided against signing Kvaratskhelia and opted for Brazilian winger Marquinhos instead. However, Marquinhos has failed to make an impact, while Kvaratskhelia has flourished, securing a £70 million move to PSG and proving himself as a world-class talent. Arsenal’s decision now looks like a costly mistake.

Marquinhos has managed only six senior appearances and spending time on loan at various clubs, including Norwich, Nantes, and Fluminense. Meanwhile, Kvaratskhelia has thrived at PSG, helping them secure the Ligue 1 title and reach the Champions League final.

Arsenal’s decision to pass on Kvaratskhelia now appears to be a costly mistake, as the Georgian winger has established himself as one of the best in the world, while Marquinhos has struggled to make an impression.

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