Real Madrid reportedly view Kalidou Koulibaly as a fallback option if they do not succeed in securing the services of David Alaba this summer.
According to a report by Spanish publication AS, Kalidou Koulibaly is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a move in the summer transfer window. The Napoli defender, though, is only being viewed as an alternative for David Alaba, with other options on Los Blancos‘ shortlist as well.
Koulibaly has become one of the best players on show in Serie A since joining Napoli from KRC Genk in the summer of 2014. Now an indispensable figure for the Partenopei, the 29-year-old has enjoyed a fine spell at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, turning out 277 times for the Serie A outfit in the last seven years or so.
His progress has invariably been noticed by the who’s who of clubs across Europe, who have been constantly linked with him in recent years. Heading into the summer, there have been rumours that have suggested that Liverpool could be in for Koulibaly, but Real Madrid also seem to be in pursuit of the Senegalese international.
Real Madrid are in the market for a centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window owing to the uncertain futures that Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane are facing at the club. To that end, David Alaba has been identified as the priority target by the Merengues, with certain reports also claiming that they have reached a verbal agreement to sign him.
However, the recent emergence of Barcelona as admirers for Alaba, coupled with the presence of PSG and Chelsea could throw a spanner in the works for Los Blancos, which is why they seem to be making a contingency plan. With that in mind, Koulibaly, who is reportedly valued by Napoli at around €50 million, has emerged as one of the options for Real Madrid.
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Apart from Koulibaly, Pau Torres is another fallback option for Real Madrid, but it has been suggested that Manchester United are his favoured destination. Jules Kounde is being considered as well, but Koulibaly could be the one to turn to if Real Madrid seek more experience.
What now remains to be seen is if the reigning La Liga champions can win the race to sign David Alaba this coming summer. If not, we could well see Koulibaly make his way to Real Madrid instead ahead of the 2021/22 season.
