special- Napoli are ready to lower their asking price for centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, who is wanted by several top Premier League sides.
A notoriously tough negotiator, Napoli was adamant that Koulibaly’s price would not be affected by the coronavirus outbreak, slapping a £120m price tag on the Senegal international’s head.
Napoli have struggled to find a buyer willing to meet their £120m asking price/Francisco Pecoraro/Getty Images
Not surprisingly, this was a problem for all applicants. Not only is money tight as a result of the current climate, but the fact that Colbilly turns 29 on Saturday means he will come with a very low resale value.
However, after seeing interest in Koulibaly wane, sources have confirmed to 90 Minutes that Napoli have made it clear they will be flexible in negotiations, with a fee of around £75m now understood to be in place to complete the deal. enough for
Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis ranted against Corriere dello Sport, insisting: “If City or United or PSG showed up with €100m (£90m) I would think about it and it’s a possibility if They will leave of their own accord. Had to leave. I wouldn’t even consider an offer of €60m (£54m). I’m solid. I don’t owe anyone.”
Koulibaly has tasked his representatives with exploring a move to the Premier League, and Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all informed Napoli they are interested in doing business.
The English outfit will also face competition from long-term admirers Paris Saint-Germain, who recently confirmed that veteran Thiago Silva will leave the club at the end of the Champions League this summer.
His exit could encourage PSG to make a move for Koulibaly, and given the Ligue 1 champions’ financial muscle, meeting his asking price is not expected to be a major concern.
Koulibaly is interested in a move to the Premier League / Michael Steele / Getty Images
Injuries have limited Koulibaly to just 15 Serie A appearances this season, but after a lengthy suspension from football, the towering defender returned to the team for Saturday’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Inter.
A 1-1 draw with Antonio Conte’s side was enough to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory for Napoli, who set up history with Juventus in Wednesday’s final.
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