Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has insisted that defender Kalidou Koulibaly will remain with the club for another three years.
Speculation had linked the Senegalese international with an exit from the Stadio San Paolo this summer after an impressive campaign last season.
Antonio Conte is said to be a keen admirer of his and was hopeful that a deal could be made after the towering centre-half and De Laurentiis were involved in a spat through the media.
However, it appears as though the Italian tactician will be left disappointed on the basis of the Napoli owner’s latest comments, as he evidently has no intention of letting the 25-year-0ld leave this summer.
“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.”
Conte will arrive at Stamford Bridge next week as he takes a few days off following Italy’s participation at Euro 2016 before taking up his new role.
While the club have already signed Michy Batshuayi this summer, more new faces are expected in west London between now and the start of next season, and the transfer activity is expected to ramp up once the former Juventus boss is in and around the club making decisions and preparing his side for the new campaign.
Koulibaly no longer appears to be a feasible option, which in turn could now force Conte to divert his attention elsewhere again as he looks to bolster his squad and ensure that they are ready to get back to competing at the top of the Premier League table.