Napoli will not accept anything less than €70m for their captain and Senegal star Kalidou Koulibaly amid interest for the AFCON winner from Spanish giants Barcelona. The summer transfer window is not far away with the 2021/22 season fast approaching its season finale, and Xavi Hernandez is keen to bolster his defence ahead of next season.
Mundo Deportivo reports of the demand for the Napoli stopper, who has grown up to be ranked among the best defenders in the world, thanks to his majestic defensive displays at the heart of the Partenopei backline.
Kalidou Koulibaly has admitted in the past that he would like to play for Barcelona ?
Will he finally leave Napoli after eight years of service?
— GOAL News (@GoalNews) February 24, 2022
The 30-year-old is one of Barcelona’s main targets in the summer. Two of their main men at the back – Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti – are met with uncertain futures, and club legend Gerard Pique is nearing the latter stages of his glittering career.
Despite interest for him from top clubs over the past few years, such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, he has stayed put at the San Paolo, pledging allegiance to the sky blue colors. Moreover, Napoli have been reluctant to see their most priced squad member see the exit door.
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis will reportedly not entertain any offer less than the €70m mark for the Napoli center-back, whose contract expires at the end of next season. On the other hand, the Partenopei will look to avoid another Insigne-esque situation next season.