The Blues are hoping to wrap up not one but two defensive signings by the end of this week. As per multiple reports, they are in advanced talks with Napoli and Manchester City for Kalidou Koulibaly and Nathan Ake, respectively.
The Blues – who lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger to Barcelona and Real Madrid, respectively, and could yet lose captain Cesar Azpilicueta – have entered advanced negotiations to sign Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Napoli’s Kalidou Kouibaly.
News broke on Tuesday morning of Chelsea’s apparent interest in Koulibaly after losing out on transfer target Matthijs de Ligt to Bayern Munich. By the evening, the Blues’ rumoured interest had developed into a concrete move, with the Senegalese international confirming that things have moved in the right direction, even if there is some way still to go.
Fabrizio Romano claims that Koulibaly has already accepted Chelsea’s five-year proposal of a 10 million euros net salary, and negotiations are ongoing with Napoli over a 38 million plus add-ons fee.
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The offer, it is believed, is in the region of Napoli’s asking price, and a transfer could follow through quickly. The 31-year-old Koulibaly has spent eight seasons in Italy, played over 300 games, and scored 14 goals.
Furthermore, Chelsea are also hopeful of resigning former player Ake from Manchester City, if a report in The Athletic is to be believed. The centre-back is reportedly admired by Thomas Tuchel, and a 45 million pound transfer is being lined up for the Dutchman to return to his boyhood club.
Negotiations between the player and the club over personal terms are reportedly unlikely to be a hindrance, with only the structuring of the deal currently holding up the transfer.
Chelsea are also expected to announce the arrival of Raheem Sterling in the immediate future. The Englishman flew to Los Angeles to link up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour after the Blues agreed to pay City 47.5 million pounds for his services.
