Chelsea have been dealt yet another transfer blow. It seems that Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly will not be leaving the Italian club this month. It is looking increasingly likely that the Blues will not be able to strengthen their centre-back options this month.
The Sun has reported that those involved at Napoli were not willing to budge on the possibility of a midseason move. Koulibaly will now stay at the club until at least the summer. The Blues were monitoring the situation of the Senegalese defender but will need to look elsewhere if they are to make any additions before Friday’s deadline.
The 28-year-old has made 20 appearances for Napoli this season and is a crucial part of their side. He recently finished joint 24th in the Ballon d’Or and is considered to be one of the best defenders in world football.
His towering presence at the back could have helped Lampard’s side stop shipping so many goals. Although the options the Blues currently have at centre-back are promising, lapses in concentration have been a problem and it’s led to Chelsea dropping points.
It is not the only problem the club has at the moment, but it is certainly one that Koulibaly would have helped with. Lampard will be disappointed to miss out on the Napoli defender, but a move in the summer could still be on the cards.
There is also the bonus that summer signings often adapt better to new environments. If the Senegal international came in at Stamford Bridge early in the summer window, he would get an entire pre-season to get familiar with his teammates.