Chelsea are reportedly closing in on signing Kalidou Koulibaly from Serie A giants Napoli in a €40 million deal.
According to French journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is closing in on moving to Chelsea in the ongoing transfer window in a €40 million deal. The Blues’ search for central defensive signings has been well documented, with Thomas Tuchel making it his priority.
Chelsea lost key central defender Antonio Rudiger this summer on a free transfer, with the German joining Real Madrid on a five-year deal. Andreas Christensen also completed a move to La Liga by switching to Barcelona, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso have also been linked with exits, with Barcelona keen on signing the Chelsea duo.
With a host of defenders on their way out of the club, the Blues have been on the hunt for reinforcements in the department. Chelsea have been linked with quite a few players, including the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Jules Kounde and Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Napoli defender has been amongst the most sought-after centre-backs in Europe over the past two seasons. Chelsea have been tracking his situation at the Serie A club for more than a year and finally, their pursuit might be approaching completion.
As per Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea are close to finalising a deal for the 31-year-old, with a transfer fee of €40 million being reported. The Senegalese defensive powerhouse is expected to sign a three-year contract with the club, with the Blues reportedly offering him a contract worth €9.5 million per year.
However, Chelsea are not the only club interested in getting the Senegal international on board. Barcelona have also been tracking the defender, but reports claim that they only want to sign him on a free transfer next summer when his contract with the Serie A club expires.
However, Napoli would prefer getting a transfer fee for their star player, making Chelsea the favourites for his signature. Koulibaly has also decided against signing an extension with the Serie A giants, making an exit imminent.
Chelsea are, meanwhile, set to complete the signing of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City. Cristiano Ronaldo has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with the Portuguese international reportedly frustrated with Manchester United’s inactivity in the transfer market so far.
