Chelsea have been handed a boost as Napoli are ready to consider offers for Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports in Italy.
The Senegalese defender is edging closer towards an exit from the Serie A club this summer.
Chelsea have previously been linked with a move for Koulibaly this summer amid Thomas Tuchel’s defensive rebuild.
Antonio Rudiger has officially joined Real Madrid ahead of the new season, admitting that he is ‘very happy’ to have made the switch to Spain.
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Furthermore, Chelsea have lost Andreas Christensen as he was named on the released list at the club, with reports stating that he will be joining Madrid’s rivals, Barcelona, this summer.
Tuchel has admitted that the summer rebuild could be tricky for his side as they look to replace their outgoing defenders.
“Players are going out. We are rebuilding,” he said. “This is always challenging but we are up for the challenge. I don’t know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here if I can promise that! I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what.
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"We will still work for Chelsea and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see."
Chelsea have been linked with several defensive targets as Tuchel is handed the keys in the transfer window.
The latest reports have stated that Chelsea have already made a verbal contract offer to Koulibaly, close to €10 million as they look to convince him to join Tuchel’s project.
And now, the Blues have been handed a significant boost at Napoli are ready to consider offers for the defender, as has been reported by Gianluca Di Marzio.
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Chelsea are also believed to have made an enquiry for Inter Milan defender, Milan Skriniar, but both clubs are ‘some distance apart’ in their valuations as he could move to PSG instead.
Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has also been heavily linked as Chelsea are believed to have submitted an offer worth €50 million.
The 23-year-old looks to be on his way to Stamford Bridge, with Koulibaly potentially joining him in the summer.
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The Senegal international’s contract in Naples expires in 2023, with Chelsea looking to seal a cut-price move for the defender.
Cesar Azpilicueta could also depart the club in the summer, with Barcelona remaining keen on a signing.
It remains to be seen as to who will depart and arrive through the doors this summer, but Koulibaly could be a name to keep an eye on.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Kalidou Koulibaly, Napoli
Nick Emms