Years after their initial chase failed, Chelsea have clinched a deal for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. Fabrizio Romano claims that the player has signed a contract and that the club will make an official announcement imminently.
The Blues notably chased the signing of the man known as K2 in 2016 with massive fees being mentioned at the time for the defender. Ultimately the club had to give up on their interest and Koulibaly remained in Italy. All these years later it appears that a move is all but done for the now 31-year-old.
Kalidou Koulibaly Close to Chelsea Move
What We Know
Kalidou Koulibaly signs his contract as new Chelsea player following the main part of medical tests already completed today. 🔵🤝 #CFC
Official statement pending, then it will be completed – second signing after Sterling.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2022
Initial reports from Ornstein stated that talks were ongoing for a fee in the region of around £33 million, along with a long-term contract on the table. The Senegal defender is entering the last year of his contract with Napoli which could be encouraging the club to sell now and make money on the player instead of allowing him to leave for free next year.
Read More: Matthijs de Ligt Close to New Contract With Juventus
The defender has now signed personal terms and Chelsea will make an official announcement on the player soon. Koulibaly has already passed his medical.
Plan B?
This Koulibaly story has come from left field as most reports linked Chelsea with a move for Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt. While a move for the Juventus man was already a change of plans, as Jules Kounde was the primary target early in the window, it would appear that Thomas Tuchel’s side have changed plans once again.
Read More: Chelsea Change Defensive Transfer Plans
The big stumbling block in a move for De Ligt is the sudden interest from Bayern Munich. Munich reportedly has the edge on Chelsea in negotiations to sign the Dutch player which has potentially seen the club make a move for Koulibaly instead.
Chelsea are now closing on Kalidou Koulibaly deal! Full agreement on personal terms for €10m net per season, contract until June 2027. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Negotiation set to be completed in the coming days: Chelsea working to close the deal for €38m plus add ons as final proposal. pic.twitter.com/phS4oYhH37
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 12, 2022
