Transfer News: Chelsea are closing in on Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly.
Chelsea are not leaving any stone unturned in their bid to fill the gap left behind by the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christiansen, as they continue to court some of the biggest names in Europe.
One such name who sits high on the Blues’ list of defensive targets is Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, whose contract is due to run out next year. Now according to Alfredo Pedulla via CalcioNapoli1926 relayed by Sport Witness (h/t football.london), Koulibaly’s priority is to remain in Naples, despite interest from so many clubs.
He claims that Napoli have a €3m wage ceiling for their players but they are willing to break that for Koulibaly. An amount double that valuation could do the trick.
Koulibaly has now spent an incredible eight years in Naples since arriving from Belgian side KRC Genk, and has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the world during his time in the Italian peninsula.
For a defender who is 31 and has only one year left on his contract, it remains to be seen if Napoli offer him a money-laden long-term contract, or if interested parties are willing to splash the cash for him this summer itself- when they know he becomes a free agent next year if he doesn’t renew his deal.
Some players are so good that age is just a number. Thiago Silva joined Chelsea when he was 35 and was instrumental in the club being crowned both European and World Champions.
Koulibaly could very easily have a similar effect, given that he is one of the best defenders in the world. The Senegal international, who won the AFCON earlier this year, is a wall in front of Napoli’s goal.
He is not afraid to throw himself into tackles and looks like he lives to defend. He could be an iconic capture for the Blues- one that can cushion the blow delivered by Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s summer departures.
Koulibaly also has excellent chemistry with compatriot Edouard Mendy, and the two could replicate their formidable GK-CB partnership for the Senegal national team in Chelsea colours.
Whether it happens this summer is something only time will tell. Hopefully, Napoli fail to come to an agreement over a new deal because signing Koulibaly for us would go a long way in ending our defensive insecurity that has arisen this summer.
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