Chelsea have reportedly opened talks with Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, with the defender having already expressed a desire to leave.
The Blues are looking to bolster their defensive options despite ultimately offering captain John Terry an extension on his current deal.
Kurt Zouma remains on the sidelines after an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament, and Chelsea are now turning to 25-year-old Koulibaly and have begun negotiations, according to the Daily Mail.
Earlier this week Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis sent a bizarre birthday message to Koulibaly, wishing him a happy celebration but reminding him that his legal team are evaluating contractual obligations they believe Koulibaly contravened by expressing his desire to leave.
The centre-back was a consistent performer for the Serie A club during the 2015/16 season, making an average of seven defensive actions per game during his 33 appearances in the Italian top-flight.
The 6ft4 defender won 55% of his headed duels, and his physical strength would be an asset in the absence of Zouma, should the Chelsea star not be fit for the start of the season. Furthermore, Koulibaly has also completed 86% of his passes this term too.
Antonio Conte will take over as Chelsea boss once his Euro 2016 campaign with Italy comes to a close and after the Azzurri’s strong defensive showing so far, Blues supporters will be hoping the former Juventus boss can bring the solidity back to their defence at Stamford Bridge.
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