Chelsea submit bid for Napoli defender

Napoli‘s resolve in keeping hold of star defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been tested again by Chelsea, who have submitted a €25 million bid for the player.

The Blues, who will be coached by current Italy boss Antonio Conte next season, are known to be keen on strengthening at the back and are big admirers of the Senegalese star.

However, according sources, Chelsea’s €25m bid has already been rejected by the Partenopei as Maurizio Sarri’s side are holding out for a big transfer fee.

Napoli want an offer closer to €40m if they are to sell the central defender this summer and it is unclear at this time whether the Londoners will return to the table with a fresh offer.

Koulibaly, who has three years left to run on his current deal at the Stadio San Paolo, joined Napoli two years ago from Genk for a fee that is believed to be in the region of €7m and after a difficult first season has gone on to establish himself as one of Serie A’s best defenders.

Although the 25-year-old hinted that he would be open to discussing a move to the Premier League, he was also quick to point out that he is happy in Naples.

“I haven’t spoken with [Antonio] Conte or anyone else about [a transfer],” he said. “The game in England may suit me but I also like it in Italy and I’m not pressing for a transfer.”

Should Chelsea come up short in their pursuit of Koulibaly, then they may push even harder for Juventus ‘ Leonardo Bonucci, who has been

strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge .