Grimandi Doubts Arsenal Can Sign PSG Winger Kvaratskhelia

Arsenal could struggle to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia because of the financial cost and PSG's determination to retain the Georgian international, according to former Gunners midfielder Gilles Grimandi in an interview with GOAL published October 19, 2026. Grimandi believes the Champions League winner remains central to PSG's plans, particularly for decisive matches late in the season.

Kvaratskhelia's substantial salary, expected transfer fee and importance to the French club present major obstacles for Arsenal. Grimandi also highlighted the winger's performances in high-pressure matches, describing him as one of the best players in his position.

Grimandi, who made 169 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002 and won two Premier League titles with the club, praised Kvaratskhelia's ability to improve as competitions approach their decisive stages.

"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." said Gilles Grimandi, former Arsenal midfielder.

Beyond his attacking quality, Grimandi emphasized Kvaratskhelia's work rate, defensive contribution and efficiency near goal. Those qualities, he said, make the winger valuable across different phases of play.

"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." said Gilles Grimandi, former Arsenal midfielder.

Grimandi also addressed Kvaratskhelia's limited playing time during the early part of the current season. He suggested the winger could be managing his workload with the later stages of European competition in mind.

"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." said Gilles Grimandi, former Arsenal midfielder.

Despite questioning the feasibility of a transfer, Grimandi believes Kvaratskhelia has the ability to play for any leading European club, including Arsenal.

"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 Gilles Grimandi, former Arsenal midfielder.

Arsenal have previously been linked with other high-profile wide attackers as the club considers its options on the left flank. Vinicius Junior was associated with a move before signing a new contract with Real Madrid, while Bradley Barcola was linked with Arsenal before joining Liverpool.

According to reports cited by GOAL, Barcola's potential transfer fee was valued at £123 million ($164 million). The figure illustrates the financial scale of pursuing elite attacking talent, although Grimandi considers Kvaratskhelia's situation more difficult because of his status at PSG.

When assessing the likelihood of Arsenal completing a deal, Grimandi expressed little confidence that PSG would agree to a transfer.

"I don't think they will do it." said Gilles Grimandi, former Arsenal midfielder.

He explained that PSG's financial resources reduce the club's incentive to sell a key player. Kvaratskhelia's salary and expected contribution during the decisive months of the season further complicate any potential negotiations.

"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." said Gilles Grimandi, former Arsenal midfielder.

Grimandi contrasted Kvaratskhelia's position with Barcola's circumstances at PSG, arguing that differences in their expected roles help explain why the club might consider one departure more readily than the other.

"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 Gilles Grimandi, former Arsenal midfielder.

Arsenal's immediate attacking options have also been affected by an injury to Greek forward Christos Tzolis. In their latest Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, Eberechi Eze started on the left wing before Noni Madueke replaced him at halftime and scored the winning goal.

Manager Mikel Arteta is preparing Arsenal for a Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with Harry Kane among the opposition players. Kvaratskhelia remains a potential target admired by the London club, but Grimandi's assessment highlights the financial and sporting barriers to a move from Paris to the Emirates Stadium.