Chelsea could be involved in a transfer battle with Barcelona this summer for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports.
One of the Blues’ main aims for the transfer window this year is to bring in new defensive recruits, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both leaving at the end of their contracts ahead of the new season.
Koulibaly has emerged as a target for Thomas Tuchel’s side, with the centre-back being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent years.
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The new Premier League season is set to begin in just under a month and Chelsea are yet to sign any new defenders.
However this could change in the next couple weeks as the club begins to work on their targets for the summer.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea and Barcelona are both possible destinations for the Senegal international if he was to leave Napoli this summer.
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He would also want to leave Italy should he depart, giving the Blues an advantage over the likes of Juventus for his signature.
Early on in June it was revealed that Chelsea made a verbal contract offer to the 31-year-old, worth around €10 million a season.
A move to Stamford Bridge is also said to be tempting for the player, who wants to leave Napoli in the hopes of seeking a new challenge.
He would earn ‘around €190,000-a-week’ if he was to sign for Tuchel’s side, and would become a key part of the German boss’ plans.
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Also on the radar for the World Champions is Matthijs De Ligt, who could be set for a departure from Juventus this summer after three years at the club.
There is also interest in the Dutchman from Bayern Munich, with Chelsea looking to ‘raise the stakes’ in their pursuit of the 22-year-old having prepared a first bid of around €70 million plus bonuses.
Reports in Germany have suggested that he wants to make the move to Bayern in the coming weeks but Italian reports said otherwise, stating that the Blues are ahead of them in the race.
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A five-year-deal is set to be offered to the centre-back by Tuchel’s side, with the option of an extra year also being included in a contract worth around €12-13 million net with bonuses.
De Ligt has been a target for the club all summer and should he seal a move to west London, he could be the second signing of the window after Raheem Sterling, who is close to making the switch from Manchester City.
Topics: Kalidou Koulibaly, Chelsea, Barcelona, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Football, Transfers
Robert Calcutt