Chelsea are close to agreeing a fee and personal terms for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, it has been revealed.
The 31-year-old central defender has been a long-term target for the Blues, with interest over half a decade old.
It was recently reported that Chelsea were ‘very close’ to signing the Senegal international this summer.
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Koulibaly’s agent Fali Ramadani has met with Chelsea over a potential transfer this summer as he has one year left on his deal in Italy.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is said to prefer Koulibaly over Jules Kounde this summer, with the Blues now closing in on a deal for the defender.
Napoli are willing to sell to Chelsea, rather than see Koulibaly join league rivals Juventus during the summer.
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As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea are in talks over signing the defender.
The deal could see Koulibaly move to Stamford Bridge for a fee of €40 million this summer.
Negotiations are ongoing but an agreement between the clubs, as well as Koulibaly, is thought to be close.
Following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, the Blues are desperate for defensive reinforcements this summer and Koulibaly has been identified as one of the main targets.
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Lifting the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, alongside Edouard Mendy, Koulibaly could join his national teammate in the Premier League and at Chelsea next season.
Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian continued to report that an agreement over a £34 million deal for Koulibaly is not far away between both clubs.
Chelsea submitting an official bid looks ‘an increasing possibility’ as Tuchel could land the first defensive reinforcement of the summer transfer window.
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This comes as club captain Cesar Azpilicueta could also be on his way out of the Blues.
Tuchel will reportedly only sanction the sale of the 32-year-old once replacements have been signed this summer.
With Chelsea’s pursuit of Koulibaly stepping up recently, as well as the Blues remaining in talks with Manchester City over Nathan Ake, Azpilicueta could be granted a departure.
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The Citizens are said to be waiting for an official bid from Chelsea, who have already agreed personal terms for Ake.
The 27-year-old was previously on the books at Stamford Bridge but departed back in 2017 for Bournemouth before signing for Man City.
However, Man City could delay Ake’s departure to give them time to sort out a replacement for the Dutchman.
This makes a deal for Koulibaly more advanced as of now, with the defender prepared to switch Naples for London this summer.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Kalidou Koulibaly, Napoli, Football, Transfers, Premier League
Nick Emms