Chelsea edge closer to €40m deal for Kalidou Koulibaly | OneFootball

Chelsea are closing in on a summer move for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly after a positive meeting with his agent Ramadani.

Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Blues have agreed personal terms with the Senegalese defender on a five-year contract worth €10 million per season and are looking to wrap up the deal for €38m plus add-ons.

The west Londoners turned their attention towards Koulibaly after learning that Bayern Munich had overtaken them in the race for their top target and Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Thomas Tuchel has made defensive reinforcements a priority for the summer following the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger. In addition, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso have also been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona.

Having said to be working on Nathan Ake’s deal after agreeing personal terms, Chelsea are now set to add Koulibaly to their defensive ranks.

The 31-year-old’s future became a subject of transfer speculation after he declined a renewal offer from the Partenopei.

European giants Barcelona and Juventus were also in the race for Koulibaly, but the Blues eclipsed them with a better offer.

Chelsea are expected to announce the signing of Raheem Sterling soon as the Man City forward is said to have successfully passed his medical.

It remains to be seen whether the Blues will pursue Sevilla defender Jules Kounde after closing the deal for Koulibaly.

The French centre-back has been chased by the Premier League giants alongside Barca, with Sevilla open to selling him for around €60m.