Alessandro Del Piero has backed Kalidou Koulibaly to replicate Thiago Silva's success in west London if Chelsea can complete a deal to sign him.
Chelsea kicked off their men's summer transfer window with the signing of Raheem Sterling to begin this new Todd Boehly era. Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to follow next, with an announcement imminent after a £34million deal was agreed. The 31-year-old's replacement has been identified by Napoli, meaning all but an announcement is missing before Koulibaly is to join up with Senegal international teammate Edouard Mendy on the club scene.
Presnel Kimpembe and Nathan Ake are expected to follow in due course with Boehly in 'advanced' talks for the pair. If all those deals are done, a good chunk of the promised £200m-plus transfer budget would have been eaten into. Despite this, manager Tuchel has been promised six signings, meaning a further two may arrive, which could include a midfielder and another forward.
READ MORE: Kalidou Koulibaly's 'official' Chelsea announcement moves closer as Napoli identify replacement
Koulibaly is a signing that many Chelsea fans see as the best answer for an Antonio Rudiger heir but rival fans aren't so convinced. Many point to the fact that he's 31 and a four-year deal would seem to excessive for someone over 30.
But, as Thiago Silva has shown since moving from Paris Saint-Germain a couple of seasons ago, age is only a number as at 37, he is still being relied upon to form the heart of this newly looked Chelsea defence. His performances over the last two seasons earned the Brazilian a new one-year extension for this upcoming season.
Whilst not expected to play all Chelsea games next season, Silva and Koulibaly's partnership could be one that solidifies a Chelsea backline that became too leaky at the end of the last Premier League campaign.
Serie A icon Del Piero believes age will not be a factor in Koulibaly's ability to adapt to English football. In fact, the former Italian forward found reasons to justify the Blues' decision to hand out an initial four-year deal to Koulibaly.
"Oh absolutely yes (a good move for Chelsea), it’s a great move," the Italian icon told. ESPN FC. "I don’t believe the age of Koulibaly is a problem, not today, not in two years, not in three years. He’s a great guy, great professional, physically he’s incredible, so I don’t worry about that, it’s a great move for Chelsea."
Chelsea fans- Do you think that the club were right to hand Kalidou Koulibaly an initial four-year contract which could turn into a fifth or is that length too long in your opinion? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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