Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba has told Todd Boehly why he must sign Kalidou Koulibaly in the upcoming transfer window. The Napoli defender has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with his contract at the Italian side set to expire at the end of next season.
The 30-year-old has been offered to the Blues by his agent Fali Ramadani ahead of the summer, according to Area Napoli, as quoted by Sport Witness. The report claims that the west Londoners are one of the many leading sides in Europe to have been offered his services.
Koulibaly has featured 25 times for Luciano Spalletti's side in the Serie A this season, steering Gli Azzurri towards a title charge. His impressive displays have seen Napoli relish the second-best defensive record in the league behind only AC Milan, who have a game in hand.
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The report adds that the Senegal international, who's been regarded as one of Serie A's leading defenders for several years now, has a €35m (£29.8m) price tag. But, Area Napoli outline that Koulibaly's agent has chosen Thomas Tuchel's side due to the club's likelihood to guarantee a high wage amid Boehly's successful takeover — subject to approval from the Premier League and the UK Government.
Barcelona are also interested in signing the Napoli centre-half this summer, according to Spanish outlet AS, as Xavi looks to shore up his backline. Though despite the financial intricacies and competition at hand, in an interview with The Byline, Ba has encouraged Chelsea to beat the Catalan side to his countryman's signature.
"One hundred per cent. One thousand per cent," the former Blues striker replied when asked if he'd like to see his former side sign Koulibaly. "He has that stature. He can support pressure, bear in mind he plays for Senegal and plays for Napoli. He can handle the pressure. He's good as a football player and a top lad."
Koulibaly helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations in January and is a defender of serious pedigree for what could be a relatively low fee. The defender is reported not to be pushing for a move but is open to the possibility, with a new deal likely should he not leave.
