Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly’s performances over the course of last season has won him many admirers all across Europe, and now Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern Munich have joined other European heavyweights in the race for his signature.
The 25-year-old has had a superb individual season with the Partepnopei, where he helped them to a second placed finish in the Serie A. Alongside the deadly Gonzalo Higuain, Koulibaly is one of the most sought after players in Europe. Chelsea and Arsenal were rumoured to be vying for his signature and in recent weeks, Chelsea had emerged as front-runners in the race to acquire him.
But Football-Italia cite Sky Sports Italia to say that German giants Bayern Munich are interested in bringing him to the Allianz Arena over the summer. According to the report, Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti believes that the addition of the Senegalese international would benefit his squad greatly. The report further states that the Bavarians are ready to rival the likes of Everton and Arsenal and are willing to table a huge €45 million bid for the defender.
Napoli aren’t willing to let go of their star man, but they would be forced to consider a €45 million offer if it were to come their way. The 25-year-old would certainly be a significant improvement on Medhi Benatia, who has signed for Juventus. However, with the presence of Mat Hummels and Jerome Boateng in the squad, competition for places will be high and it is unlikely that Koulibaly would be willing to spend too much time on the bench in this stage of his career.
Aubameyang wants his wages tripled
Like Mat Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan before him, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang is expected to leave Borrussia Dortmund this summer. The Gabon international has had a stellar season with Thomas Tuchel’s side, scoring an astonishing 39 goals in 46 appearances.
Atletico Madrid have made no secret of their desire to bring big players to the Vicente Calderon. They have been strongly linked with a move for Chelsea’s Diego Costa and now according to Spanish publication AS, they have recently had an initial bid for Aubameyang rejected.
According to the report, the issue wasn’t only with the transfer fee, but also a matter of Aubameyang’s wages. Should any club wish to acquire him, they will have to meet his huge wage demands. His agent is on the lookout for a club who would pay an annual wage package of €12 million a year, which would be three times the amount he earns with Borussia.
Atletico Madrid chief Gil Marín and the rest of Los Rojiblancos’ management aren’t keen on disrupting the financial balance within their club roster and even though they do wish to develop their squad with top quality additions, they believe if shouldn’t be done irresponsibly.
