Chelsea has made an improved bid for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly believed to be around the region of £34 million.
Koulibaly has been one of the many defenders linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer as Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his defensive line. With the Italian widely expected to use his famed 3-5-2 formation, which he deployed to such great effect with Italy at the Euros, the presence of top quality centre-backs is vital. With the Azzurri and at Juventus, he had the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini who played their roles to perfection.
Chelsea’s defensive problems were clear for all to see last year, and new additions to their defence are a priority this summer. In light of this, Chelsea has made another bid for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly. The 25-year old enjoyed a superb spell with the Partenopei last year, making 42 appearances and going on to earn a name for himself as one of the best centre-backs in Italy. Numerous clubs from Europe were put on alert after reports emerged claiming negotiations of a new contract with Napoli had stalled. Chelsea already had an initial bid for Koulibaly rejected by Napoli, and were reported to be preparing a second offer around the region of £23.3 million.
But it seems as if that too has been rejected by the Italian outfit and Chelsea was reported to be preparing another improved offer for the Senegalese international. The Telegraph claims that Chelsea has now tabled an improved offer for Koulibaly, of £31.5 million and £2.5 million in bonuses, which would add up to a total of £34 million.
Arsenal was also reported to be interested in acquiring the striker with Koscielny, Mertesacker both in their 30s and Gabriel Paulista and Calum Chambers proving to be far too inconsistent to be relied upon. Arsenal will be able to offer Champions League football to Koulibaly, possibly the only thing that Chelsea is unable to provide. But Napoli’s asking price is something that may put the Gunners off.
Koulibaly’s technical ability, which has vastly improved since the arrival of Maurizio Sarri, and his physical presence are attributes that would help him fit into the English game seamlessly. At 6’5, the man-mountain is aptly nicknamed ‘K2’. He is extremely fast for his size and he’s usually unrivaled in the air, making him dangerous during set pieces. He’s the kind of player Conte would love to have a part of his back three and at 25, he is in the best years of his career. If Chelsea’s third bid is accepted, we may see Kurt Zouma, Kalidou Koulibaly and Andreas Christensen go on to establish themselves in the Chelsea defence for many years to come.