Watford FC 'not at panic stations' despite Giorgi Chakvetadze, Nestory Irankunda exit twists | OneFootball

FLW's Watford fan pundit has revealed whether the Hornets would be able to cope without the likes of Giorgi Chakvetadze and Nestory Irankunda.

A new era is underway at Watford following the appointment of new head coach Alessio Dionisi.

After another year of managerial instability at Vicarage Road that saw Paulo Pezzolano, Javi Gracia and Ed Still take charge of the team, Watford recorded a disappointing 16th-placed finish in the Championship last season.

The Hornets appointed former Sassuolo, Palermo and Empoli boss Dionisi as their new head coach last month, and the Italian is set to make his first signing, with a deal for Heidenheim defender Omar Toure believed to be close.

However, much of the early transfer talk involving Watford has centred around outgoings, and midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze is expected to be the club's first high-profile sale of the summer, with a move to sister club Udinese said to be a possibility.

Winger Nestory Irankunda, who scored four goals and provided five assists in his debut season with the Hornets following his €4 million (£3.4 million) move from Bayern Munich last summer, has also been linked with an exit, with newly-promoted Premier League side Hull City having a bid of £8 million plus a further £2 million in add-ons rejected this week.

As well as Chakvetadze and Irankunda, Watford may also be vulnerable to losing captain Louza this summer after an impressive season that saw him score seven goals and register nine assists, with Fulham, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion all reportedly holding an interest in the 27-year-old.

Watford hierarchy sent clear transfer warning ahead of potential exodus

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When asked how the club would fare if they were to lose Chakvetadze, Irankunda and Louza, FLW's Watford fan pundit Justin Beattie insisted the Hornets would be able to cope without the trio, provided suitable replacements are brought in, and he urged the board to accelerate the recruitment drive after a slow start to the summer.

"Hull have made a bid for Irankunda, which the board at Watford have rejected," Justin told FLW.

"I think every player at Watford does have their price as we are a selling club, so if they make an offer that's close to their valuation, then I can't see us keeping Irankunda.

"I think they will cash in on him when the right offer is made.

"He is still very young, and he has only had one season in the UK, but I think he probably is ready for a step up to the Premier League.

"I think we will be able to cope if we lose Chakvetadze, Irankunda and Louza all in the same summer if we replace them smartly with players that know the division, are willing to knuckle down and play for the team and aren't going to have their heads turned immediately by better offers.

"It remains to be seen.

"At the moment, we've made one signing who is a centre-back, but we do often leave business quite late.

"It's not panic stations yet, but I think they do need to pull their finger out I think."

Watford must keep hold of Imran Louza amid Giorgi Chakvetadze, Nestory Irankunda exit talk

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While there is no doubt that Chakvetadze can be a quality player at Championship level on his day, he failed to score a single goal and provided just three assists in 29 appearances for Watford last season, so few supporters will be too disappointed by his imminent departure.

Like Chakvetadze, Irankunda has also shown glimpses of his potential during his time at Vicarage Road, and he also hit the headlines when he scored in Australia's World Cup opener last month, but selling him for an eight-figure fee after an inconsistent debut season would represent good business for the Hornets.

However, Louza was one of Watford's star performers during their underwhelming campaign last season, and it would be near impossible to replace him with a player of a similar standard, so owner Gino Pozzo must reject any bids for the Morocco international this summer.