Kalidou Koulibaly Wants To Play For Thomas Tuchel As Chelsea Set To Beat Barcelona To Transfer

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly wants to play under Chelsea boss Tohmas Tuchel amid interest from the Blues, according to reports.

The 31-year-old looks set to depart the Serie A side this summer amid interest from several top European clubs.

With just a year remaining on his contract in Naples, Koulibaly is available at a cut-price this summer.

It appears that Chelsea will win the race to sign the Senegal international, with him potentially linking up with national teammate Edouard Mendy at Stamford Bridge.

The most recent reports have stated that Chelsea are preparing a £34 million offer for the colossal defender, with Tuchel looking to reinforce his backline this summer.

Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli in action during the match against Torino. (Alamy)

It is believed that Koulibaly has accepted £8 million-a-season from the Blues as the transfer edges closer.

The defender broke his silence on the move, stating: "I'll confirm that later, but it's on the right track.”

It was previously revealed that Tuchel was pushing for the move, looking to add the central defender to his backline following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

Now it has been reported that Koulibaly is just as desperate to join Tuchel this summer.

According to Daniele Longo, Koulibaly wants to play for Tuchel after reaching an agreement in principle with the club.

Since his arrival as head coach at Chelsea, Tuchel has transformed the defence at Stamford Bridge.

This led to the likes of Christensen and Rudiger’s careers being revived, with the pair earning moves to Barcelona and Real Madrid this summer.

Thiago Silva has also impressed at the age of 37, being one of the top performers in the Premier League last season.

At 31 years of age, Koulibaly will be hoping that Tuchel can get the best out of him also ahead of his Napoli departure.

However, there could be a potential issue with a move for Koulibaly.

Kalidou Koulibaly could be wearing Chelsea blue next season. (Alamy)

As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Barcelona are hoping that the defender will ‘take some time’ and wait before making a decision on his future.

The Blues have already seen Raphinha choose a move to the Camp Nou over a transfer to Chelsea.

However, with the negotiations at an advanced stage it appears that Chelsea will get the deal done this summer and see Koulibaly join his new teammates in Los Angeles for their pre-season tour of the United States.

Napoli are keen for the Senegal international to move abroad rather than join Serie A rivals Juventus as Chelsea and Tuchel close in on their man.