Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held talks with Kalidou Koulibaly, who is ready to leave Napoli but wants to join Barcelona.
According to SPORT, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is ready to leave the club this summer and has informed the Italian giants of his decision. Alerted by the development, Chelsea and Tottenham have held discussions with his representatives, but the 30-year-old star wants a transfer to Barcelona.
Koulibaly has been with Napoli since 2014 when he arrived from KRC Genk and has grown into one of the most consistent and reliable defenders in the game. The 30-year-old, though, is entering the final year of his contract with the Partenopei and has turned down a new offer of extension from the Serie A outfit, as he believes the time is right for him to move on this summer.
Several clubs have shown a strong interest in Koulibaly, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona. Indeed, as per the report, Chelsea and Spurs have already approached the defender’s entourage to hold talks over a possible move in the summer window, while Barcelona wait for clarity on the situation.
Chelsea are in the market for defensive reinforcements as they are primed to lose three of their frontline defenders before next season. Andreas Christensen is headed to Barcelona on a free transfer, while Cesar Azpilicueta could join the Dane at Camp Nou. In addition, Antonio Rudiger is set to join Real Madrid on a Bosman move as well.
Chelsea will be down to bare bones in the defensive department and need to sign at least one top centre-half. While they have Jules Kounde as their top priority, the Blues are also eyeing Koulibaly, owing to his contract situation and have held talks with his representatives.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are also in need of strengthening at the back after some sloppy displays that left manager Antonio Conte disappointed. With Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon on their way out, there will be room in the squad for a new defensive signing, who can instantly join Cristian Romero and Eric Dier in the three-man backline.
Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan has been touted as a top target, but talks with Koulibaly indicate that Tottenham are keeping their options open as the Senegalese star will add more experience and leadership while costing significantly lesser.
However, despite the interest from Chelsea and Tottenham, Koulibaly has no desire to join either club as his heart is firmly set on a move to Barcelona. The Catalans want to sign the 30-year-old, despite the imminent arrival of Christensen, to add leadership and physicality to their defensive line amid concerns over Gerard Pique’s longevity.
Furthermore, with Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet on their way out, Koulibaly, who is comfortable playing in the left-sided role, is seen as a key signing. While Barcelona are yet to hold any talks with Napoli, the 30-year-old, valued at €35 million, is aware of the interest and wishes to join the Blaugrana.
Barcelona are willing to offer Miralem Pjanic to Napoli as part of the deal for Koulibaly to lower the price tag, which the Partenopei would welcome. So, even though Chelsea and Tottenham have made approaches, Barcelona seem to have their noses in front in the race for Koulibaly.
