CHELSEA MAKE SUMMER TRANSFER MOVE FOR NAPOLI DEFENDER KALIDOU KOULIBALY
Chelsea are preparing a fresh bid to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports from Italian newspaper Gazetta dello Sport.
The reports claims that the English Premier League giant have prepared a £23.3million bid after their initial offer was turned down.
However, Napoli are said to be determined to keep hold of the Senegalese 24-year-old, but are realistic about the chances of him leaving if the price is right. Gazzetta World claim the Italian outfit would request for as much as £30 million. Koulibaly enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Serie A this season, making 42 appearances for the club in all competitions
Aside Koulibaly, the management at Stamford Bridge have told Everton they will not pay the £65million fee placed on the head of Romelu Lukaku after earlier showing interest. The Belgium striker signed for Everton from Chelsea for £28m in 2014 and his impressive form at Goodison Park has seen his value rise significantly. According to reports from Express Sport, The Blues, who have reignited their interest in Lukaku, will not pay the fee Everton are demanding and will turn elsewhere if the Toffees will not negotiate. There are reports also that other interested clubs such as Manchester United and Juventus will not pay such for the player.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke. The 24-year-old is said to be on the wish-list of summer transfer targets for incoming Blues manager Antonio Conte, and it is understood they will make an offer for him come July.
However, Koke insists he has no plans to quit Atletico anytime soon.
“For a hundred and something years Atletico Madrid has been among the best,” Koke said.
“How can I leave? Why would I want to lose all of this? ”
“To be an Atleti player is the best there is. “Atleti is special. It is a family. I am happy where I am,” he added.