Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Kalidou Koulibaly Rumours, Fresh Pedro Talk

Chelsea are to reportedly miss out on Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, with the Senegal international said to be close to signing a contract extension with the Serie A side.

According to Jason Burt of the Daily Telegraph, the Blues were ready to offer a whopping £60 million to the Partenopei to secure the signature of the centre-back. However, according to L’Equipe’s Bilel Ghazi (h/t Get French Football News, via the Daily Telegraph) Koulibaly is ready to commit his future to Napoli.

New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte needs to add some defensive options to his squad, with concerns lingering over the ageing John Terry, inconsistent Gary Cahill and raw Kurt Zouma.

Here’s a look at why Koulibaly is said to have been targeted:

Share Tweet

That Chelsea were reportedly ready to part with £60 million for the defender shows not only how much the manager feels they need to increase their numbers at the back, but how highly they rate Koulibaly. And it’s an esteem that’s not without credence, as the centre-back enjoyed a remarkable 2015-16 season.

The defender was colossal at the base of Maurizio Sarri’s vibrant Napoli side. Koulibaly relishes physical battles, is dominant …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com