Kalidou Koulibaly is willing to take a pay cut to seal Serie A move with Inter Milan, one of the interested clubs in the Senegal international.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, Kalidou Koulibaly is willing to take a pay cut to seal Serie A return. The Senegal defender may not have a future at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are also considering using the centre-back as part of other deals in the current window.
Kalidou Koulibaly arrived with a stellar reputation for his displays with Napoli over the years. Despite his advancing age, Chelsea decided to pay around £33 million for the centre-back. They also handed him a long-term deal until 2026 with an option for another season.
However, he has not performed to the expected levels, with Chelsea finishing the season in 12th position. The club will look to trim the squad and even cull wages to allow Mauricio Pochettino to have a competitive group to work with.
While they have not indicated Koulibaly’s future is in danger, the defender could become dispensable if the club feels that way. He could be one of the three players Chelsea have offered Inter Milan in exchange for goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Inter Milan had reportedly scheduled talks with Chelsea to discuss several possible deals, including Koulibaly. The defender is a player of interest for the Champions League runners-up, as they may seek a replacement for Milan Skriniar.
However, they cannot afford the defender’s current salary. Alfredo Pedulla has indicated that Koulibaly is willing to take a pay cut to seal Serie A return, as he may find his ground in a more familiar league.
Inter could be a solid option for the Senegal international if he wishes to return. Whether that is on loan or a permanent transfer also remains the question. However, the larger consensus is that the defender becomes part of a deal and moves clubs that way.
Inter are also interested in Romelu Lukaku, who wants to quit Chelsea, and defender Trevoh Chalobah ahead of this window. They might also open their doors for Koulibaly if he becomes the most likely option. But any move for the 31-year-old will prove complicated.
