Transfer News: Chelsea are closing in on Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly.
Speaking to TalkSport (h/t Express), Scotland legend Ally McCoist has urged Chelsea to sign Kalidou Kaoulibaly this summer.
The Senegalese star is one of the best defenders in the world and is a definite upgrade on any defender we have at Stamford Bridge.
“The name I keep going back to is the lad Koulibaly at Napoli, who has impressed for a long, long time now.”
McCoist likened the 29-year-old to Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman made a world-record transfer to Liverpool in 2018. He immediately transformed what was a generous defence into one of the best in Europe.
Chelsea are in a similar position where they need to tighten at the back to be competitive at the top. McCoist believes Koulibaly can be Chelsea’s Van Dijk.
Such a comparison is not wide off the mark given Koulibaly’s performances for Napoli. A colossus at the back, he is an overbearing presence to overcome. His leadership qualities are an added bonus to a backline that has been rudderless all season.
Koulibaly has three years left on his Napoli contract. The Italians are willing to part ways if their valuation of £64m is met. In truth, that is an absurd amount for a player who will turn 30 next year.
Having also come off an injury-hit season, it is debatable if the Senegalese’s age is catching up with him. There is no question about his ability and he is one of the very best on his day.
McCoist believes Koulibaly can change the fortunes of any team he walks into, namely Manchester United, Manchester City Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur.
“But I think he is the one target a lot of top Premier League clubs would and should be looking at.”
It is a testament to Koulibaly’s ability that he can single-handedly improve the clubs on that list.
Chelsea have already spent big money this summer. With the likes of Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell on the club’s radar, we could be in for an expensive rebuild.
It is no secret that the club need defenders. Whether that will be Koulibaly or not remains to be seen.
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