Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has confirmed that his move to Chelsea is ‘on the right track’ as the Blues close in on the Senegal international.
Koulibaly is among the options being considered by the Blues and now it appears he is nearing in on a switch to Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.
Thomas Tuchel is in the market for defensive reinforcements following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, while Cesar Azpilicueta could also depart.
Barcelona are still interested in the 32-year-old but the Blues have set a £7 million valuation for the Catalan club.
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Tuchel will only let the Blues’ skipper depart if he can bring in replacements at the back this summer, with Koulibaly edging closer to a move.
It has been reported that a £34 million move to Stamford Bridge could materialise with talks ongoing as Napoli prefer to sell to Chelsea rather than Serie A rivals Juventus.
Koulibaly’s agent Fali Ramadani has met with Chelsea over a potential transfer this summer as he has one year left on his deal in Italy.
The defender himself has now commented on the potential move, confirming that it is ‘on the right track’ as he looks prepared to switch Naples for London this summer.
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As quoted by Romain Collet-Gaudin, Koulibaly admitted: "I'll confirm that later, but it's on the right track.”
It remains to be seen as to whether a deal can be agreed between the clubs, with negotiations said to be going well.
Personal terms are also claimed to be close to being agreed ahead of a transfer for the 31-year-old, with Tuchel looking to bring in at least two central defenders this summer.
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Nathan Ake of Manchester City has also been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, having departed the club back in 2017.
Chelsea allowed the 27-year-old to depart for Bournemouth before he was signed by Manchester City for £41 million.
A sensational return is on the cards for the former Blue as he is seen as key to Tuchel’s defensive plans for next season.
Man City will look for a replacement this summer before allowing him to leave, it has been reported.
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This could allow a deal for Koulibaly to speed up, with nothing standing in the way of a deal as long as personal terms and a transfer fee can be agreed.
Once signed, the defender will likely join his new teammates in the United States as they prepare for matches against Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal this summer.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Kalidou Koulibaly, Chelsea, Napoli
