Chelsea have reportedly agreed a fee of £33.8m plus add-ons with Napoli to sign center-back Kalidou Koulibaly. He is all set to have his medical on Thursday to finalize his arrival in the Premier League.
The Senegal center-back was also linked with Juventus. However, Napoli had refused to sell him because they were rivals in Serie-A.
CHELSEA AND KALIDOU KOULIBALY TRANSFER SAGA FULL STORY
The defender emerged as one of Thomas Tuchel’s primary targets ahead of the new season. He was the main target for the Blues following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. The deal had made significant progress in the last few days. Many reports also emerged of both sides coming close to an agreement.
The 31-year-old himself has revealed that a potential switch to Stamford Bridge was on the right track. It seems he was entirely right. According to reports, Chelsea have now agreed with Napoli to sign the Senegal international. A fee of an initial €40m (£33.8m) plus add-ons has been agreed between the sides. The defender has also agreed personal terms on an £8.5m-a-year salary.
THE BLUES ARE FINALLY MAKING MOVES IN THEIR TRANSFER TARGET
It seems the new owner of Chelsea is finally making moves in the transfer market. They are slowly but surely learning how the market works. Thomas Tuchel is also getting his priority targets. The club are looking to strengthen its defense. A number of defenders rejected their contracts and left the club. However, sources within the club have described Todd Boehly as an on-to-point negotiator who has impressed the clubs he has negotiated with.
Kalidou Koulibaly is going to soon become signing number two for Chelsea in the summer transfer window. Raheem Sterling was the club’s first signing in this transfer window. He was announced by the club on Wednesday. The club are also close to making Nathan Ake their third addition. However, the Blues are yet to agree a final fee with Manchester City for the center-back.
The Senegal defender had just 12 months left on his contract at Napoli. He was offered a new contract by the Italian club. But, the defender rejected the contract extension. He has spent the last eight seasons with the Serie-A outfit. The defender made 317 appearances for the club across all competitions. He also helped the club win both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
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