Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly set to snub a move to Chelsea in favour of signing a new deal with the Serie A giants.
Blues boss Antonio Conte has a real problem on his hands ahead of the transfer deadline at the end of the month, as he is desperate to bring in defensive reinforcements.
With a lack of depth behind John Terry and Gary Cahill in the central positions, a new defensive ace has been a priority for him all summer.
However, with just over a week remaining before the deadline passes, he’s still scrambling and according to The Sun, Koulibaly is now set to end his pursuit by penning a new deal with Napoli.
With Kurt Zouma out long-term with injury, Conte will be concerned over the lack of cover he currently has should either Terry or Cahill pick up an injury or suspension.
It hasn’t negatively affected his team thus far as they have collected six points from their opening two Premier League games, but in order to sustain their form and push for silverware this season, he’ll need more depth to his squad.
With Koulibaly seemingly now becoming less likely to make the switch to Stamford Bridge, Conte will have to switch his focus to other targets and quickly with time running out to complete a transfer.
The Italian tactician is also struggling with the crazy transfer fees being touted this summer, with The Sun adding that Koulibaly would have cost the club £60m.
Although the Senegalese international proved his class in the Napoli backline last season, many would argue that he hasn’t done enough to warrant such a price-tag. However, in today’s transfer market, it’s almost becoming the norm to have to pay over the odds to land the top players.