Arsenal to rival Tottenham Hotspur for Rubin Kazan's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

Arsenal have reportedly taken a liking to Rubin Kazan attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

With clubs now permitted to sign players from Russian or Ukrainian clubs following the invasion of Ukraine, Georgia international Kvaratskhelia has been loaned back to his homeland to Dinamo Batumi for the remainder of the season.

The 21-year-old is set to return to Rubin Kazan in the summer, but his long-term prospects in the Russian top flight are unclear while conflict rages in Eastern Europe.

According to Area Napoli, Arsenal could potentially offer Kvaratskhelia an escape route, with the Gunners keeping a close eye on the attacker over the past few months.

However, the report adds that intermediaries are already working on a deal for Napoli to sign Kvaratskhelia, who would command a €15m (£12.6m) in the summer transfer window.

Kvaratskhelia has scored nine goals and set up 18 more in 73 matches for Rubin Kazan since 2019, while he has found the back of the net against the likes of Spain, Sweden and Greece at international level.

Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in the former Lokomotiv Moscow loanee.