Inter Milan and Chelsea are set to begin talks on various subjects, including discussions for Kalidou Koulibaly.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Inter Milan and Chelsea will soon open discussions over Kalidou Koulibaly, among other players. The two clubs are expected to talk over other players, including Romelu Lukaku and Andre Onana.
Chelsea are planning another strong summer window to develop their squad of young players. Adding new names will allow the Blues to competitively strengthen their team after a disappointing season the last time around.
Plenty of departures are reported in the media, while Todd Boehly is intent on bringing some key stars in. One of the players who could leave is misfiring defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal international arrived at Stamford Bridge with a big reputation following his days with Napoli.
However, he has had a difficult season with Chelsea and struggled to cement a place in the starting lineup. Winter arrival Benoit Badiashile momentarily usurped his place, but overall he may not have a future at Stamford Bridge. The 31-year-old defender is also on a huge salary and a long-term contract, which could pose problems for Chelsea in selling him.
Chelsea and Inter are set to schedule a meeting in the next days, as called yesterday 🔵 #CFC
Understand Inter will ask about Kalidou Koulibaly as priority target.
Romelu Lukaku’s future, main topic; but Trevoh Chalobah for Inter, André Onana for Chelsea will be also discussed. pic.twitter.com/3dtWTKLqVs
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2023
Chelsea are looking for ways to get rid of Koulibaly, with reports suggesting they could include him in a part-exchange deal. That may sound like a good idea for the Blues to discuss with Inter Milan, with the two clubs ready to discuss many topics.
One of them could include Chelsea’s interest in goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Blues have not agreed on the fee with Inter Milan for the Cameroonian stopper, but including Koulibaly could sweeten the deal. However, the Serie A giants may find the 31-year-old defender’s salary unattainable, which could prove problematic.
Koulibaly also has interest from Saudi Arabia, who could fulfil his financial obligations if that is the concern. As for Chelsea, they would like to rid the defender from their books to free up space for a new player. They might end up not signing a centre-back, as including Levi Colwill is also an option for the Blues.
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Whether Koulibaly wants a return to Italy remains the question, but Inter surely cannot fulfil his salary obligations. Hence, a move to Saudi Arabia makes sense, with Chelsea likely to receive a sizeable transfer fee in return.
