Chelsea are reportedly more likely to sign Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly than Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer.
According to Dean Jones for GiveMeSport, Chelsea have a dream to raid Serie A for either Koulibaly or De Ligt.
It is understood that 31-year-old centre-back Koulibaly could cost as much as £40million to prize away from Napoli. There is a feeling he’s more attainable for clubs to sign this summer than in recent transfer windows, too.
The report adds it’s more likely Chelsea get to sign Koulibaly over their alternative target De Ligt, with Juventus keen to keep him. The Dutch centre-back has been viewed as a “dream signing” for the Blues, but a raid on Napoli is seen as more possible.
Juventus ace De Light, 22, reportedly has a release clause of £103million that will need to be paid to take him away from Turin.
Chelsea more likely to sign Koulibaly than De Ligt
In fairness, either Koulibaly or De Ligt would go down as an excellent new recruit in defence.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues desperately need some new centre-backs signed, preferably a ready-made superstar that can act as a like-for-like replacement for Antonio Rudiger.
If Koulibaly becomes the main centre-half target, Chelsea supporters should be excited by that.
He’s a strong, quick and experienced defender that should be at the peak of his powers right now.
Described recently as an “absolute machine” by Asmir Begovic, Koulibaly ticks so many boxes to suggest he could effortlessly stroll into the Blues defence next season.
It’s absolutely vital Chelsea’s new-look defence comes together quickly next season to try help launch a bid for silverware.
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