Transfer News: Manchester United given a boost in their pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly as Napoli reduce asking price
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Express), Manchester United have been handed good news in their pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly heading into the summer transfer window.
The Senegalese star is one of the best defenders in world football. Given our weakness in the position, it is no surprise that we continue to be linked with him.
Both Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof have failed to convince Ole Gunnar Solskjaer so far. While Harry Maguire is not without his faults, he appears to be the only cenre-back who is at this point in time an automatic choice.
Koulibaly has been linked with a move away from Napoli for some time now. However, the major stumbling block more often than not was the £69m asking price.
The Italians are now willing to accept a lower fee as we head into the summer window. Napoli have also been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and are keen to bring down their expenses.
The Gli Azzuri are in the fifth spot in Serie A and are in real danger of missing out on a Champions League spot. Doing so would give them an extra incentive to slash Koulibaly’s massive £9.5m per year in wages.
To put it into context, the 29-year-old’s wages account for 10 per cent of Napoli’s entire wage bill.
No shortage of suitors!
Manager Gennaro Gattuso admitted that he would like to keep hold of the player, but is open to sale if it comes to it. Koulibaly is one of Napoli’s best assets and with him set to hit 30 this year, this summer may be the last chance for them to make a hefty profit.
United will, however, have to compete against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona for the player’s signature.
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Koulibaly would certainly improve our defence but will turn 30 this June. He is unlikely to be a long term option and has so fair failed to show off his best this season.
There can be an argument that the player is starting to regress. United will be better off signing a younger defender who can form the backbone of our defence for years to come.
