According to Sport, Tottenham have joined Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle in the race to sign Barcelona target Kalidou Koulibaly.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Barcelona were in advanced talks to sign the Senegal international, although Steven Gerrard, Eddie Howe and now Antonio Conte seem intent on disrupting things.
The Spanish news outlet believe Tottenham have started talks with Koulibaly’s entourage, although he is prioritising a move to the Camp Nou at this stage.
It comes after Aston Villa saw a bid rejected for the 30-year-old, who has been described as “the best in the world” at what he does by Carlo Ancelotti.
Newcastle are also paying close attention to the situation, and it was said that Amanda Staveley made an offer to Koulibaly shortly after buying the Magpies from Mike Ashley.
Sport add that the £34m man has a great relationship with Napoli, and is therefore hoping for a consensual exit, so his side can receive a transfer fee rather than lose him for nothing in 2023 when his contract expires.
Koulibaly made 34 appearances last season in all competitions, scoring three goals while also providing three assists.
Sport also claim that Chelsea and Juventus are monitoring the defender’s situation in Naples.
Aston Villa, Newcastle & Barcelona target would take Tottenham to another level
In our view, if Antonio Conte can lure Koulibaly to N17, it would be a signing which could take Spurs to another level.
Eric Dier has impressed alongside Cristian Romero at the back, although Conte has been lacking a third standout option in his back three, with all due respect to Ben Davies, who has performed well.
If the Welshman is replaced by a master of his craft like Koulibaly, with a solid goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris behind him, then Tottenham’s backline would be rock solid next season.
However, as you can see, there is some fierce competition for his signature, so be sure to keep an eye on this saga to see who eventually secures Koulibaly’s signature.
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