Aurelio de Laurentiis – President of Napoli – has been speaking about Kalidou Koulibaly, with Aston Villa trying to bring him to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Steven Gerrard is hoping to sign the centre-back this summer, as he looks to strengthen his backline at Villa Park.
Barcelona are also interested in signing the Senegal international.
Now, De Laurentiis has conceded that Koulibaly might leave Napoli this summer, as the Serie A side cannot “force” him to stay in Naples.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, the 72-year-old said: “Koulibaly is a symbol of Napoli. If he no longer wants to be with us, he has to decide. We want Koulibaly to stay with us, but we can’t force him.”
Clearly, there is a chance of the 30-year-old leaving Napoli this summer.
Interestingly, Koulibaly’s contract expires in June 2023, so if Napoli fail to sell him this summer, they could lose him for nothing next year.
So far this season, the Napoli No.26 has made 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals while also providing two assists.
Aston Villa must beat Barcelona to Koulibaly now
In our view, this might be the only chance Aston Villa get to sign Koulibaly.
The Senegalese colossus is arguably one of the best defenders in Europe, and if Gerrard waits for him to become a free agent, the queue will surely become too big for Aston Villa.
Carlo Ancelotti even described the French-born defender as the “best in the world” during their time together in Naples.
As things stand, he can be signed for £34m, which is a reasonable fee for someone as good as Koulibaly, and also a sum Aston Villa can afford.
In our view, time is of the essence.
Barcelona are already believed to be in advanced talks with Napoli over a deal, so the Villans need to be quick.
It would be special to see Koulibaly at Villa Park, and if Gerrard wants to make that dream become a reality, he must move fast.
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