Chelsea are in talks to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, The Athletic understands.
Discussions are taking place over a possible deal that could see the 31-year-old move to Stamford Bridge on a long-term contract for a proposed €40 million fee.
There is an acceptance that negotiations to conclude the deal with Napoli could be challenging but an agreement between the clubs and the Senegal captain is thought to be close.
Koulibaly is heading into the final year of his current contract.
He made 27 Serie A appearances last season for a Napoli side that finished third in the table.
Chelsea are seeking to bolster their back line after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, on free transfers.
Thomas Tuchel's side are also believed to be interested in Presnel Kimpembe, Nathan Ake and Jules Kounde as they seek multiple reinforcements in central defence. But also bear in mind that Jules joindre is Chelsea football club's top most transfer priority and they may keep on negotiating a deal until the transfer window closes or Seville says not they are not selling the French center back to any team.
Koulibaly started his career at Metz in France, before moving to Genk in 2012 and then Napoli two years later. He has since then been a big pillar in the defense of SSC Napoli, this really trigger the panic and fear button whenever a team come closer to buy. The team knows they would loose an important player, that's why they keep on refusing to release the Senegalese from their side.
He helped Senegal to glory at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and has earned more than 60 caps for his country. He is the first player to captain Senegal to win the African Cup of Nations
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