Napoli determined to keep defender despite Chelsea interest

Contrary to speculation, a deal to take the highly-rated centre-back to Stamford Bridge is far from complete, with the Campania club determined not to sell.

Despite reports suggesting a move to Chelsea is imminent, Napoli have insisted that Kalidou Koulibaly is not for sale.

Sources in England over the weekend had claimed that the 25-year-old was on course to become Antonio Conte’s first major defensive signing at Stamford Bridge , with a fee of around €35.75 million being mooted for the imposing centre-back.

However, with three years left to run on his current deal at the Stadio San Paolo, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested that he expects the ex-Genk player to see out the remainder of his contract with the Partenopei.

“I have never once argued with Koulibaly about his future,” he said in an interview with Radio Kiss Kiss. “He will remain with us for another three years.

“If he wants to renew his contract with us for another five years then we will meet but the deal must satisfy both parties, because these relationships are never one-sided.”

It is believed that ex- Juve head coach Conte has made the Senegalese stopper a top target this summer as he attempts to reshape an ageing defence, and the Premier League club are prepared to pay close to €57,000 per week in wages in an attempt to lure the defender to England.

Koulibaly has made 81 appearances for the Partenopei since joining from Belgian Jupiter League side Genk in 2014.