Chelsea could offset their raft of defensive losses by signing Kalidou Koulibaly as phase one of a double deal, while an Arsenal star could be used to lure a full-back to north London – both in Thursday’s Euro Paper Talk.
KOULIBALY TO REPLACE RUDIGER?
Chelsea are facing something of a defensive crisis this summer. Antonio Rudiger will join Real Madrid as a free agent, while Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta have both been heavily linked with Barcelona.
All three have primarily operated at centre-back in the Thomas Tuchel era and given the German operates with a back three, excellent strength in depth is required.
Should the trio depart, Chelsea would still have Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr on the books. However, a team competing on four fronts each season cannot rely on so few options.
As such, Caught Offside suggest two new centre-halves will be signed this summer – once the club’s sanctions are lifted.
Those restrictions will be removed once the new owners are in place. And per the report, Napoli ace Koulibaly is being targeted to lead the new back-line.
Koulibaly will be 31 by the time next season begins, though remains an elite level operator in Naples.
The report cites Calciomercato journalist Matteo Moretto who noted Chelsea have made contact with Koulibaly’s agent, Fali Ramadani.
‘Super’ Koulibaly offer required
Koulibaly will have just one year left on his Napoli deal at season’s end. As such, this summer could be the ideal time to cash in if it becomes apparent he won’t pen fresh terms.
Regardless, the journalist insisted a ‘super offer’ may still be required, though stopped short of suggesting how much that might be.
Caught Offside’s article hinted at who the second target could be in a double deal, and his name is a very familiar one to Blues fans.
Chelsea target Kalidou Koulibaly
Chelsea are looking into Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly as their search for a…
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