Real Madrid have reportedly set their sights on Kalidou Koulibaly, who is valued at around €60 million by Napoli, over a move this summer.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Real Madrid are interested in signing Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli in the summer transfer window. The interest comes straight from manager Carlo Ancelotti, who wants a reunion with the 30-year-old Senegalese defender, who is valued at around €60 million by the Serie A giants.
Koulibaly joined Napoli from Genk in the summer of 2014 and has since become a powerhouse of a defender. Now widely regarded as one of the best on show in Serie A, the Senegalese international has amassed 283 appearances for the Partenopei to date, chipping in with 11 goals and five assists along the way.
His progress in the last seven years has certainly not gone unnoticed, with some of the best clubs in Europe being linked with the 30-year-old over the years. Most recently, former Napoli manager Rafael Benitez has shown an inclination to reunite with Koulibaly at Everton. And now, another ex-Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti wants a reunion, at Real Madrid, this summer.
Ever since Ancelotti first took charge at Real Madrid, it has been mooted that Real Madrid could be in the market for some of his former charges. To that end, the Merengues have been linked with the likes of Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Kingsley Coman, among others, with Koulibaly now emerging as a target.
The interest in someone like Koulibaly is not unfounded, seeing as Real Madrid are in the market for a centre-back this summer, despite the addition of the versatile David Alaba. That is because Los Blancos have lost not one but two top class central defenders in the form of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, and the situation begets the arrival of a replacement.
To that end, Real Madrid have been linked with Sven Botman, Lisandro Martinez and Pau Torres, with Koulibaly now emerging as a viable target. However, the 30-year-old will not come cheap, with Napoli demanding €60 million in exchange of his services.
The valuation is certainly steep, considering Koulibaly will not be a long-term solution. Instead, someone like Pau Torres would cost around €60 million as well and might be a better option for Real Madrid to consider. However, with Ancelotti intent on a summer reunion, it remains to be seen if the Spanish giants launch the offensive the Senegalese powerhouse.
