Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly has suggested that he could consider a move to the English Premier League if his Italian Serie A club Napoli does not make an effort to keep him at the San Paolo Stadium.
The 24-year-old was a standout performer in Napoli’s second-place finish in the Italian top flight during the 2015-16 campaign.
Surprisingly, the Naples side are not rushing to hold onto their Senegal international, with no new deal forthcoming from the Partenopei.
As a result Chelsea is looking at the possibility of capturing the physically imposing defender, and Koulibaly does not deny that the Premier League interests him, though it seems he would prefer a renewed contract with Napoli.
‘Big clubs want to sign me and there is no sign of a renewal with Napoli,’ Koulibaly told L’Equipe.
‘The game In England could be suitable for me but I like Italy. I do not press for a transfer but I hope to sign a renewal with Napoli or we proceed to other solutions,’ he added.
New Chelsea coach Antonio Conte is on the hunt for a centre back, and though his first choice is Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci, the Italian international is not likely to make the move to London, which is where a swoop for Koulibaly could make sense.
The Senegalese talent is also being monitored by Bayern Munich, however, and Chelsea may not find it easy to lure him to Stamford Bridge if the Germans get involved.