FABREGAS REPORTEDLY OKAYS CHELSEA PURSUIT OF NAPOLI DEFENDER
According to SPORT, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is ready to leave the club this summer and has informed the Italian giants of his decision. Alerted by the development, Chelsea and Tottenham have held discussions with his representatives, but the 30-year-old star wants a transfer to Barcelona.
Koulibaly has been with Napoli since 2014 when he arrived from KRC Genk and has grown into one of the most consistent and reliable defenders in the game. The 30-year-old, though, is entering the final year of his contract with the Partenopei and has turned down a new offer of extension from the Serie A outfit, as he believes the time is right for him to move on this summer.
Several clubs have shown a strong interest in Koulibaly, including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona. Indeed, as per the report, Chelsea and Spurs have already approached the defender’s entourage to hold talks over a possible move in the summer window, while Barcelona wait for clarity on the situation.
Chelsea are in the market for defensive reinforcements as they are primed to lose three of their frontline defenders before next season. Andreas Christensen is headed to Barcelona on a free transfer, while Cesar Azpilicueta could join the Dane at Camp Nou. In addition, Antonio Rudiger is set to join Real Madrid on a Bosman move as well.
Chelsea will be down to bare bones in the defensive department and need to sign at least one top centre-half. While they have Jules Kounde as their top priority, the Blues are also eyeing Koulibaly, owing to his contract situation and have held talks with his representatives.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur are also in need of strengthening at the back after some sloppy displays that left manager Antonio Conte disappointed. With Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon on their way out, there will be room in the squad for a new defensive signing, who can instantly join Cristian Romero and Eric Dier in the three-man backline. It is believed that Fabregas thinks the transfer will be beneficial for the Blues.