The transfer saga involving Kalidou Koulibaly has taken a deviation in recent hours as he inches closer to a move away from Italy, more precisely at Chelsea. The Senegal stopper is reportedly very close to sealing his transfer to Premier League giants instead of Juventus, who have long been linked to him as they search for Giorgio Chiellini and Matthijs De Ligt’s immediate successor.
Thomas Tuchel is the man who wants Kalidou Koulibaly, considered perfect option for Chelsea. Todd Boehly took care of negotiations with his agent in June and then yesterday, with new meeting. ? #CFC https://t.co/RwprKLJF8l
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2022
According to reports emerging from Italy via La Gazzetta dello Sport (via TuttoJuve), a four-year contract worth €9M net per season will be handled by the Stamford Bridge outfit for the highly-rated defender. Chelsea will offer €40M as their initial transfer proposal.
Moreover, it is understood that the center-back himself is averse to playing for any other club other than Napoli in Italy, given his strong eight-year allegiance to the Partenopei. Koulibaly would rather reunite with national teammate Edouard Mendy at Chelsea.
Kalidou Koulibaly’s agent Ramadani, in Milano today in order to progress in negotiations for the centre back. Talks now progressing, with Chelsea ready to submit an opening bid. ?? #CFC
Chelsea are pushing to be fast and anticipate other clubs – de Ligt, now closer to Bayern. pic.twitter.com/BpLfjHb0o4
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2022
The English club are currently in negotiations with the defender and his entourage, and an agreement is on the horizon, according to multiple sources from England, including Sky Sport and The Athletic. The star himself told Eurosport journalist Romain Collet-Gaudin.
“I will confirm it later on, but it is on the right track.”
Chelsea lost two of their defensive mainstays Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to El Clasico rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, leaving the, with only three senior center-backs at the moment, prompting them to go after Koulibaly and further targets. The Blues also have De Ligt on their radar, but Bayern Munich are in an advanced position for his signature.