According to reports in Italy, Everton are set to meet Napoli this week with a view of discussing a €45m move for defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The commanding centre-half played a crucial role in the Partenopei’s success last season, and in turn it’s no surprise that he’s attracted interest from around Europe.
As noted by Sky Sport Italia ‘transfer expert’ Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli have a meeting scheduled with Everton representatives this week.
Despite the fact that club President Aurelio De Laurentiis had insisted recently that the Senegalese international isn’t for sale, it appears as though discussions could take place given the significant fee being reported.
The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with Chelsea this summer, as Antonio Conte has seemingly singled him out as one of his priorities to strengthen his defence.
Although John Terry signed an extension earlier this summer, it isn’t deemed enough by many to ensure that the club can remain competitive next season.
However, unless the Italian tactician moves quickly as he is set to begin work at Stamford Bridge this week, he could miss out to Ronald Koeman and the Toffees.
The Dutchman will have ambitious plans for his new club this year having joined from Southampton last month, and with money to spend, he’s evidently keen on bringing top talent to Goodison Park to ensure that the club improve on last season.
As for Napoli, they would make a significant profit on Koulibaly should they decide to sell this summer for the fee mentioned above, as they signed him from Genk for just under €8m in 2014.