Transfer Blow: Chelsea to lose long-term target as Italian giants preparing new improved contract
Aug 12, 2016 at 5:41 PM
Napoli are looking to ward off interest in centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly by offering him a new contract, reports Football Italia. The idea is that would keep the defender in Naples for one more season, although he would be allowed to leave next summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea had a £42million bid rejected this week but have not given up their attempts to buy the Senegal international.
Koulibaly’s agent Bruno Satin has confirmed the centre-half’s future will be resolved in the next few days. The 25-year-old, who is Antonio Conte’s top target to strengthen Chelsea’s back four, is keen to move to west London.
However, Napoli hopes to persuade him to sign a new deal along with a verbal agreement that they will sell him next year if a sizeable offer comes in.
The Serie A giants have been in talks with Satin this week and remain hopeful he can be convinced to postpone his departure by another 12 months.
Chelsea are desperate to improve their options at the back as they have only three fit centre-halves to choose from in captain John Terry, Gary Cahill, and Branislav Ivanovic.
Terry will start the season but at the age of 35 Conte doesn’t want to play him every week, while Kurt Zouma is working his way back to full fitness after a serious knee injury.
Chelsea endured an awful first half of the season in 2015/16 under Jose Mourinho and can only hope for better after a tenth place finishes under interim boss Guus Hiddink.
A place in the Champions League will be the target for Antonio Conte, who inherits a side packed with stars but in need of refurbishment.
It is unknown how highly Napoli rate Koulibaly in terms of a price tag, but it is clear they do not wish to lose another star after Gonzalo Higuain’s departure to Juventus.