Chelsea target Kalidou Koulibaly opens door to deal amid Matthijs de Ligt frustrations
Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a new centre-back following reports that Kalidou Koulibaly favours a move away from Italy if he were to depart Napoli this summer. The Blues remain intent on strengthening in the heart of defence within the current window and the Senegalese centre-back has emerged as an option following the club's frustrations on the Matthijs de Ligt front. Having lost Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen to Barcelona on free transfers, Chelsea have made bolstering their backline a key priority this summer. The Blues were understood to have been locked in talks with Juventus for centre-back De Ligt, however, having seen their pursuit of the Dutchman hit a wall, the west Londoners have taken their attentions elsewhere. Napoli stalwart Koulibaly is another on Chelsea's radar and it appears the Blues could well be in with a chance of signing him up should he depart the Serie A side this summer. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the 31-year-old would not want to remain in Italy if he were to end his Napoli stay. Chelsea are understood to be one of the leading candidates for the defender's signature, however Barcelona have also expressed an interest. The news will serve as a boost to the Blues who recently suffered a setback in their pursuit of De Ligt. JUST IN: Chelsea on brink of Raheem Sterling transfer in £45m Man City deal
Cherubini schedules meeting with the agent of 40m euros rated De Ligt replacement
Juventus has made Kalidou Koulibaly their main target to replace Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman is close to leaving the Allianz Stadium as Chelsea and Bayern Munich fight to add him to their squad. The defender is one of the best players the Bianconeri have in their squad now, but they will be powerless to stop him from leaving if he doesn’t sign a contract extension. Juve is open to all possibilities, and they are now looking for his replacements. Tutto Sport reports that Koulibaly is the chosen one to replace him, and Federico Cherubini is now set to hold talks with his agent. Napoli wants to keep the Senegalese defender, but they have been unable to get him to sign a new deal. They will listen to offers for his signature and have set an asking price of 40m euros. Juve FC Says Koulibaly remains one of the finest defenders in the league, and his experience in the competition means Juve will be signing a player that will head straight for their starting XI. A move for the Senegal star will make it easy for us to forget about De Ligt’s departure, but Napoli hardly sells their best to Juve, and this move could have major complications.
Juventus hold talks over move for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly?
Juventus are reportedly interested in signing Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly after holding talks with the player's agent to discuss a potential transfer. Juventus have reportedly held talks about a possible move for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. With the centre-back set to enter the final year of his contract, Koulibaly has been linked with a move away from Napoli. Manchester United and Barcelona have been credited with showing interest, while the 31-year-old is reportedly open to joining Chelsea this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are also considering a move, with director Federico Cherubini meeting Koulibaliy's agents to discuss a potential transfer. The Old Lady see the Senegal international as a replacement for Matthijs de Ligt, who is set to leave Juventus in the current transfer window. Since joining the club in 2014, Koulibaly has made 317 appearances for Napoli, while chipping in with 14 goals.