Juventus are reportedly considering launching a summer bid for in-demand Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. Calciomercato claims the Bianconeri contemplate tempting the Partenopei into selling their prized asset with a €20m bid.
However, Napoli have slapped a €40m price tag on Koulibaly’s head. They anticipate a bidding war for one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders. Numerous Premier League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain form a formidable chasing pack.
The Senegalese’s illustrious spell in Naples is seemingly coming to a close. Koulibaly’s contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is up next summer. So Napoli could be forced to sanction his departure in the coming months to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 12 months.
Negotiations between Napoli and Koulibaly over a new deal are not progressing well. With no breakthrough in extension talks on the horizon, the 30-year-old could be on the move soon. And Juventus are ready to seize the opportunity.
Massimiliano Allegri reportedly sees Koulibaly as a perfect partner for Matthijs de Ligt at the heart of the Bianconeri backline. But there’s still a substantial gap between Juve’s potential bid in Napoli’s valuation.
The Turin heavyweights are known for their unique ability to sign top-class players on cut-price deals. Yet, Napoli bigwig Aurelio De Laurentiis carries a reputation as a stubborn negotiator. He is likely to stick to his guns.
Although Napoli are not in a perfect bargaining position, De Laurentiis will likely make the Bianconeri sweat over a deal. Despite Koulibaly’s contractual situation in southern Italy, there’s no doubt Juventus will have to increase their offer to get the deal over the line.
Our take on Koulibaly’s potential switch to Juventus
At 30, Koulibaly still has a few more years of top-flight football left in the tank. Excluding Juve’s household duo, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, not many Serie A defenders have been superior to the Senegalese international in the past decade.
With Chiellini announcing his retirement, Juventus face the risk of falling short of reliable options at the back. Given his quality and experience, Koulibaly fits the bill as the Italian’s successor at the Allianz Stadium.