Barcelona have laid their eyes toward Serie A to bolster their defense next summer, and Matthijs De Ligt and Kalidou Koulibaly are highly-placed in their shortlist. The Blaugrana have been sending some signals to the entourage of Senegalese center-back after the African Cup of Nations, La Gazzetta dello Sport informs.
The Catalan giants have always been keen on the Dutch starlet. However, his price tag and salary are significantly higher. His €125M release clause will come into effect in July. The Bianconeri would be looking to cash in at least as much they paid to acquire him, €85M, if they dangled him in the transfer market. They have not made the call on it yet. But it could happen considering the sums floating around and his mammoth wages, the publication informs. Chelsea have recently been linked to him as well.
Instead, Koulibaly would be less expensive, for Barcelona and other potential suitors, due to a pair of factors. He is older, and his current contract expires in 2023. He recently stated that his future is at Napoli. However, he would have to agree to a pay cut in order to prolong his deal. President Aurelio De Laurentiis is adamant about keeping the payroll in check. The parties will wait to see what happens in the summer before beginning to discuss an extension.
Purchasing the veteran could cost around €30-€40M, the Italian newspaper suggests. On top of Barcelona, Juventus could make an attempt for Koulibaly too if they wound up selling De Ligt.