Napoli set £65 million asking price for Koulibaly

Napoli have set an asking price of £65m for Kalidou Koulibaly amid reported interest in the defender from the Premier League.

Koulibaly has been one of the most sought after defenders in world football in recent years and has continually been linked with a move to several of Europe’s elite, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool amongst the clubs rumoured to have expressed an interest.

Napoli have long been resistant to offers for their prized asset but are believed to be open to his sale this summer, the club prepared to cash-in on the Senegal international after a disappointing season that has included off-field turmoil and an almost certain absence from next season’s Champions League.

According to the Mirror, the Serie A side will demand a fee of £65m for the 29-year-old centre-back, a figure which Manchester City are reportedly prepared to meet as the club prepare to invest heavily following a successful appeal against their European ban.

Pep Guardiola is desperate to add a new central defender to his squad following City’s defensive struggles this season, and Koulibaly is believed to be a key target in the Spaniard’s plans to rebuild ahead of next season.

While City are said to have reservations over the defender’s age, his experience and physicality make him an attractive proposition and a player likely to instantly improve a backline which has proven problematic during the current campaign.

Reports in Italy, (via Sport Witness) have claimed that the Etihad side have already submitted an offer to bring Koulibaly to the Premier League, though their opening offer has been rejected by Napoli who will hold out for their asking price in full.

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See also – Guardiola hails ‘incredible’ Silva and Jesus after narrow 2-1 win over Bournemouth

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