Grimandi Doubts Arsenal Can Sign PSG Winger Kvaratskhelia

Arsenal are unlikely to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia because of his substantial salary, potential transfer fee, and PSG's determination to retain him, former Arsenal midfielder Gilles Grimandi told GOAL. The Georgia international has emerged as a desirable option for manager Mikel Arteta as the Premier League club continues to assess its attacking options.

According to the report, PSG could demand £123 million ($164 million) for the winger, a valuation that would make a deal difficult for Arsenal. Grimandi believes the French club has little financial incentive to sell one of its most important players, particularly with major European matches approaching in the spring.

Grimandi, who made 169 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002 and won two Premier League titles with the club, praised Kvaratskhelia's performances in high-pressure matches and his contribution at both ends of the pitch.

"This guy is special. He's special because he's always good in the big games and last season, every time when the competition was getting close to the end, he was getting better and better. He has fantastic commitment, he's running, he's defending and when he gets the ball in the final third, he's very efficient.

For me, he's a special guy. He looks like he's choosing his games because so far this season he hasn't played too many, but he just knows that he wants to be prepared for the spring time and that's his target. He knows that big games will come.

He can play for any team in Europe, of course he can play for Arsenal. For me, he's one of the best players in his position," said Grimandi.

Arsenal have previously been linked with Brazil international Vinicius Junior and PSG winger Bradley Barcola. Vinicius signed a new contract with Real Madrid, while Barcola ultimately joined Liverpool, according to the report.

Grimandi said Arsenal would face considerable obstacles in negotiating a deal for Kvaratskhelia because PSG can afford to retain high-earning players without needing to generate transfer revenue. He also distinguished Kvaratskhelia's position from Barcola's circumstances at the French club.

"I don't think they will do it. Now it's complicated when the guy plays in Paris because they have a huge salary and they do not need any money so it's quite complicated to pick up one of the best players and bring him to another team except if there is a problem. Barcola was not supposed to be in the starting line-up this season so they let the door open if he wants to leave. But Kvaratskhelia, they don't let him go because they know that in the spring time he will be one of the more important players," said Grimandi.

Arsenal's immediate attacking plans have also been affected by a muscle injury to Greek forward Christos Tzolis. In the club's latest Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest, Eberechi Eze started on the left wing before substitute Noni Madueke scored the winning goal.

According to GOAL, Arsenal are preparing for a Champions League trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with Harry Kane among the players they will face. Kvaratskhelia remains a potential target in sporting terms, but Grimandi's assessment suggests that PSG's financial position and plans for the winger make a transfer difficult to achieve.