According to Calciomercato, Everton need to increase their offer for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly if they want to reunite him with Rafael Benitez.
The Italian news outlet claim that Everton have made a first offer for Koulibaly, but it’s short of what Napoli want for the Senegalese ace.
Everton are expected to come back with a new bid for Koulibaly, and Napoli seem open to selling with the defender now 30.
Everton wanted to sign Koulibaly back in 2016, as confirmed by Farhad Moshiri, but they may now have a real attraction for the centre back.
New Everton boss Rafael Benitez not only coached Koulibaly at Napoli, but the defender was also one of Benitez’s first signings in Naples.
Koulibaly has been quoted as saying that he discovered ‘real football’ under Benitez, so it’s reasonable to think that he may fancy a reunion with Benitez this summer.
Everton do have the likes of Mason Holgate, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, but none of them are quite at the level of Koulibaly.
Since joining Napoli from Genk, Koulibaly has become one of Europe’s top centre backs and is closing in on 300 appearances for the Serie A side.
Incredibly strong, quick and a great leader, Koulibaly is the total package at centre back. His age may be a concern, but if Everton can pull off a deal for the Senegal international, they have to push for it.
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