Done Deal: Chelsea snap up Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli for €40 million | OneFootball

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly Napoli, according to Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio.

Per the reports, both clubs reached an agreement last night over a €40 million deal for the 31-year-old, who is expected to land in London tonight ahead of his scheduled medicals tomorrow.

With the imminent arrival of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, Koulibaly becomes the second big-name signing at Chelsea as they continue to bolster their squad for the new season.

The Senegalese international has 12 months left on his contract but has opted to bring an end to his decade-long spell at Napoli and join Thomas Tuchel’s side on a five-year deal.

Kalidou Koulibaly will reportedly earn around €10m per season as the Blues begin to plug the holes left in defence following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

According to Italian news outlet Napoli Today, the transfer has not gone down well with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who is furious with the defender and his agent after their contract extension offer was rebuffed.

The Azurri are believed to have tabled a €6m-a-year deal for the 31-year-old, who has been a central figure at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Koulibaly made 27 appearances for Napoli in Serie A last season, scoring three goals as Luciano Spalletti’s men secured a third-placed finish and a place in the Champions League.

He has made 312 appearances since he arrived from KRC Genk in 2012, helping the Naples outfit win the Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia titles in 2014 and 2020 respectively.

In light of Koulibaly’s imminent exit, Napoli have identified Fenerbahce’s Kim Min-Jae and Lazio defender Francesco Acerbi as potential replacements.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are not resting on their laurels and remain heavily linked with a few other defensive targets, most recently Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe.

The Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with Man City’s Nathan Ake and are also closing in on the Dutchman, subject to an agreement with the Cityzens.