Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli has apparently been suggested by Chelsea as an alternative for Juventus center-back Matthijs de Ligt. After losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen for free this summer, Blues manager Thomas Tuchel is in a critical need to fortify his defense.
Nathan Ake of Manchester City is reportedly a top target With the Dutch defender eager to move back to Stamford Bridge. According to reports, the 27-year-old and Chelsea have reached a personal agreement as they get closer to finalizing the £45 million signings. Tuchel still desires a second center-back, and Nathan Ake’s countryman Matthijs de Ligt is on the list.
However, the player is expected to join Bayern Munich, so a deal to transfer the ex-Ajax star to West London seems to be off the table.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea have reportedly shifted their attention to Senegal international Koulibaly. The transfer guru added that Chelsea and his agent Fali Ramadani have been in talks about a prospective deal.
Napoli is rumored to be asking for around £34 million before they can sell the 31-year-old, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Di Marzio claimed that Juventus are also keeping an eye on Koulibaly, which means that Chelsea aren’t the only team interested in signing him. According to the Italian reporter, should the 22-year-old leave Napoli, the Old Lady has designated Koulibaly as their top choice to replace De Ligt.
Kalidou Koulibaly, revealed as name in Chelsea list in June and still one of the options. New meeting with his agent took place on Monday 🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2022
Nathan Aké deal also in negotiation, while club feels Bayern are leading the race for Matthijs de Ligt as they agreed personal terms. https://t.co/RwprKLJF8l
However, Napoli have presented him with a new contract to persuade him to stay with the team. It was alleged last month that Luciano Spaletti, the manager of Napoli, would leave if the team sells the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations champion.
Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis has already acknowledged that they cannot force the defender to stay.
He said: “He is a symbol of Napoli, and if he wants to no longer be a symbol, he must decide. We must decide. We want Koulibaly to stay, but people can’t be forced to stay. Everyone has their own dignity and needs. We respect everyone.”
Chelsea will be keeping a close look on him while they still fight to sign Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus.
The Blues are yet to make a signing this summer but the deal with Man City’s Raheem Sterling has already been agreed upon. The Englishman has also completed his medical and an official announcement will be made very soon.
