Reports suggest Napoli’s central defender Koulibaly hasn’t signed his contract extension, and Bayern Munich apparently are in pole position to acquire the defender should the Partenopei fail to reach an agreement over the summer.
Napoli are at a cross-roads with Koulibaly after failing to reach an agreement in their last meeting. The present contract, which runs out next summer, was set to be renewed with a pay hike from 800,000 euros per year to 1.6 million euros per year. CalcioNapoli 24 also reported the possibility of a potential buy out clause to be set at 40 million euros. (via FootballItalia)
The French-Senegalese defender had a stellar season with head coach Sarri and is now one of the most sought after defensive prospects in Europe. Diego Maradona recently claimed controversially that he would have played for Real Madrid if he was “white”. His agent has also fueled speculation by claiming that major clubs like Bayern Munich are after him.
“Bayern Munich?” Bruno Satin considered on Radio Crc. “I understand that Kalidou is on the radar of major clubs because he is doing well, but now isn’t the time to discuss such things. It’s up to Napoli to decide if the player is doing well and will stay in Naples or if it’s better for him to leave.” (via FootballItalia)
However, Bayern Munich, having already acquired Hummels, are unlikely to go for another highly rated defender. That could leave Chelsea, who are looking to overhaul their squad over the summer after Conte takes over. Chelsea have been linked with all the top defenders in Italy, including Juventus’ Bonucci and Roma’s Manolas.
Koulibaly had been one of the standout players for Napoli in 2016 after having a troubled start to his time in Italy under Benitez. Under Sarri, who took over this year from Empoli, the error prone clumsy defender has turned into a proper centre back capable of playing at the top level. It remains a matter of months before it is decided whether Koulibaly will leave Italy for greener pastures, where he will earn considerably more that what Napoli is offering him at present.
