Chelsea have made a verbal contract offer to Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, close to €10 million per season, according to reports in Italy.
The Blues are in the market for defensive reinforcements after Antonio Rudiger departed for Real Madrid, with Andreas Christensen also set to leave.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea have suggested the idea of a ‘superior’ contract offer, close to €10 million for the season.
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The report continues to state that a move to Chelsea would ‘tempt’ Koulibaly, who is seeking a new challenge away from the Serie A.
He currently earns €6 million at Napoli, with the Italians offering a renewal at lower, looking to sign him to a new deal on €4 million.
If he chooses to move to Chelsea, Koulibaly would be on ‘around €190,000-a-week’ and become a key part of Tuchel’s plans.
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The defender would seemingly slot into the back three, most likely as a replacement for Rudiger after the confirmation of the German’s move to Real Madrid.
However, Napoli value their star at €40 million, a fee that may be higher than Chelsea are willing to spend on a player with a year left on his deal.
Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are also interested in signing Koulibaly but Milan Skriniar is the Ligue 1 side’s primary target, whilst Barcelona are set to sign Christensen on a free transfer and face financial problems.
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Chelsea are also believed to have made an enquiry for Skriniar, but both clubs are ‘some distance apart’ in their valuations as he could move to PSG instead.
Jules Kounde of Sevilla has been linked with a switch to London as it looks like the 23-year-old will join Tuchel’s squad ahead of the new season, whilst RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol has also been identified as a potential signing.
Presnel Kimpembe is also reportedly a target for the Blues, with Thiago Silva having exchanged messages with his former teammate regarding a move to Chelsea.
Furthermore, Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana is believed to be a target for Tuchel’s side. However, the French star is being monitored by Manchester United.
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It remains to be seen as to who Chelsea will sign in the summer window, with at least two defenders needed to replace their outgoings.
Cesar Azpilicueta has also been linked with a departure as the captain could be on his way to Barcelona, making the defensive rebuild at Chelsea a priority this summer.
Levi Colwill and Ethan Ampadu could return from their loan spells and be handed a chance to impress Tuchel in pre-season as the Blues look to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool next season
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Kalidou Koulibaly, Napoli, Football
Nick Emms