Everton and Chelsea are battling for Kalidou Koulibaly, according to the player’s agent.
Napoli centre back Kalidou Koulibaly
The agent of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has told Radio Crc, as quoted by the Daily Mail that Everton and Chelsea are indeed interested in the centre back.
Koulibaly, 25, has established himself as one of the top defenders in Italian football since being signed by Napoli – then managed by Rafael Benitez – from Genk in the summer of 2014.
Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly in action against Atalanta’s German Denis
With great pace, power and technical ability for a defender, Kouliably has impressed in Italy, triggering major interest from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Everton.
SportItalia’s Alfredo Pedulla reported last week that Everton had lodged a €55m (£46m) bid for the Senegal international, whilst Chelsea had made a €45m (£36.75m) offer – and his agent has now tackled the situation.
Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly in action against Edin Dzeko of AS Roma
Speaking to Italian radio station Radio Crc, agent Bruno Satin revealed that he was in Italy to discuss a new contract with Napoli, but Koulibaly has decided that he wants to leave the club.
Satin also confirmed that Chelsea and Everton are both hoping to land Koulibaly this summer, as they both want to bring in a high-quality centre back before the end of the transfer window.
However, Satin did move to ease Napoli fans, telling them not to worry that Koulibaly will be joining Serie A rivals Juventus, but will be leaving this summer.
Juventus’ Sami Khedira in action against Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly
“I was in Dimaro on Saturday and we discussed a contract renewal. However, we are not at the point of reaching an agreement. The desire of the player is to leave the club, not renew,” said Satin. “We are told by the club that he is a great player but from the renewal on offer, we don’t see this.”
“Last year they wanted to sell him, stating he was not focused enough, but then last season he has shown all his quality. To the fans I say stay calm because he won’t be joining Juventus. Chelsea and Everton are still interested as they are both searching for a central defender of his quality,” he added.
With money to spend thanks to Farhad Moshiri, Everton may well be confident of landing Koulibaly despite Chelsea’s interest – and with question marks over the future of John Stones, a spot may well be open for Koulibaly in the Everton defence.
Do you think Everton can beat Chelsea to Koulibaly’s signature?
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