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Napoli are said to be ‘impressed’ with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly amid their pursuit of centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports.
The Blues have been under their new ownership since the end of May, with Boehly now entering his first months as co-owner of the west London side.
He is also partaking in his first transfer window at Stamford Bridge, with the club keen to strengthen the squad as they set their sights on more silverware in the years to come.
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Raheem Sterling is set to be announced as their first signing of the summer, with the 27-year-old moving from Premier League title holders Manchester City.
Defence is said to be a key aim for the window, with Koulibaly emerging as a target as they search for new options for the centre-back positions.
The 31-year-old could depart Napoli after eight years at the club and make the move to west London this summer, with the Senegal international being a long-term target for the Blues.
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Chelsea’s new methods of negotiation are said to have ‘driven’ their talks for the defender according to Nick Purewal, and the Serie A side have been ‘impressed’ with Boehly.
A deal is now thought to be close, with Napoli succumbing to the fact that Koulibaly may not have been granted a ‘big transfer’ beyond this summer.
Other reports have backed up the claims that a transfer could be close to completion, with a bid of around €38 million with €2 million in add-ons expected to be accepted.
Koulibaly is also believed to have already accepted personal terms with Chelsea, and will sign for the club on a five-year-deal, earning around £7 million-a-year plus bonuses.
It is likely the centre-back will be one of three pending arrivals at the club this summer, joining Sterling and Nathan Ake as those who are making the move to west London.
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The former is expected to be announced as their first signing very soon, with the 27-year-old taking a flight to Los Angeles on Tuesday to join with his new teammates for their pre-season tour.
Chelsea will be facing Club America, Charlotte FC and Arsenal in a series of friendly matches, before travelling to Udinese at the end of the month upon their return from the USA.
Ake is also believed to be close to sealing a move to the World Champions, with Chelsea agreeing a fee of around £45 million for the defender.
Topics: Chelsea, Todd Boehly, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Kalidou Koulibaly, Football, Transfers, Napoli
Robert Calcutt