Reports suggest that Barcelona’s pursuit of defensive solidity for the new campaign has brought them to a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champion.
Barcelona’s search for defensive reinforcements for the upcoming summer transfer window has seemingly led them to Napoli, with Kalidou Koulibaly emerging as a target. This is according to Italian Publication, mundodeportivo who claim that Xavi Hernandez has made the Senegalese International a key transfer target for the coming window.
Koulibaly has been with the Gli Azzurri since 2014 and has grown into one of the most reliable operators in the position in Serie A. His contract with the club stands to expire at the end of the 2022/23 season, however and has shown no willingness to sign a new deal. With Koulibaly set to enter the final year of his contract, Barça have seemingly made their move for him. In fact, it is claimed that the Catalan club and the AFCON-winning captain have already agreed personal terms over a contract, with Koulibaly’s agent, Fali Ramadani, having reportedly met with Barca president Joan Laporta in order to finalise an agreement between the two parties.
Negotiations with the defender’s club Napoli may prove problematic for the Blaugrana, however, as they might demand a problematic fee despite the 30-year-old being set to soon enter the final year of his current contract. The Serie A club has previously rejected offers of around €70 million from the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain and will again demand a significant sum provided Barcelona decides to splash the cash on him.
With Barca also believed to be closing in on a deal for Denmark international Andreas Christensen on a free transfer from Chelsea, a centre-half of Koulibaly’s quality, proven pedigree and leadership qualities would be another excellent addition ahead of the next campaign.