Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly held talks with Napoli star.
According to SPORT, Napoli defender has told the Italian giants of his intention to leave this summer. Chelsea and Tottenham have held talks with his representation after being alerted to the news, but the 30-year-old great wants to join Barcelona.
Since joining Napoli from KRC Genk in 2014, He has established himself as one of the game’s most dependable and trustworthy defenders. The 30-year-old, on the other hand, is in the final year of his contract with the Partenopei and has rejected down a fresh extension offer from the Serie A club, believing that now is the best moment for him to go on.
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.
Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has been mentioned as a priority target, but negotiations with Koulibaly suggest that Tottenham are keeping their options open, since the Senegalese star will provide more experience and leadership at a lower cost.
Despite Chelsea and Tottenham’s interest, Koulibaly has no desire to join either club, as he has his heart set on a move to Barcelona. Despite the upcoming arrival of Christensen, the Catalans want to sign the 30-year-old to bring leadership and physicality to their defensive line amid concerns about Gerard Pique’s lifespan.