Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has reportedly accepted a contract offer from Chelsea as the Blues prepare a £34 million bid this summer.
The 31-year-old has one year left on his contract in Naples, with a move looking likely during the transfer window.
It has been reported that a £34 million move to Stamford Bridge could materialise in the coming days.
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Napoli would prefer to do a deal with Thomas Tuchel’s side rather than lose Koulibaly to league rivals Juventus
As quoted by Romain Collet-Gaudin, Koulibaly hinted at a move to Stamford Bridge coming close.
He admitted: "I'll confirm that later, but it's on the right track.”
With it looking like a deal will be done to see Koulibaly join the Blues, Thomas Tuchel is reported to still want at least one more defender.
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Both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departed this summer, with the pair not yet being replaced.
Cesar Azpilicueta could still depart the club this summer amid interest from Barcelona, as Chelsea will look for further defensive reinforcements.
However, a deal for Koulibaly is not yet done despite the most recent developments.
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As reported by Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Koulibaly has already accepted Chelsea’s contract offer.
The defender will sign a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge, comprising three years and an additional option for a further season.
The Blues are ready to pay €40 million for the Senegal international, with it now down to Napoli as to whether they will accept the move.
Furthermore, according to Nizaar Kinsella of The Evening Standard, Koulibaly has been offered £8 million-a-year to join Chelsea this summer.
This would see him handed a substantial pay increase from his current deal at Napoli.
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The journalist continues to reveal that despite Napoli being hysterically difficult to negotiate with, their insistence to see Koulibaly move abroad rather than to Juventus could make things simpler for Chelsea.
Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s co-owner, has made contact multiple times with Koulibaly’s agents.
The talks will not reduce the likelihood of Nathan Ake returning to Chelsea this summer from Manchester City.
Edouard Mendy will see his national teammate, Koulibaly, join him at Stamford Bridge this summer.
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The goalkeeper hinted at the signing, admitting that he is happy with who the Blues are bringing in to be part of the backline this season.
“We were happy with Toni, with Christensen, but I think we are more than happy with the defenders who will arrive for us,” he said.
Therefore, it looks like Koulibaly is edging closer to joining Mendy at Chelsea as Tuchel is set to get his man.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Kalidou Koulibaly, Napoli, Transfers, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms