Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis has made it clear he is willing to sell Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, amid consistent links to Manchester City.
The centre back has been heavily linked with a move away from the Italian side this summer, with reports claiming that his huge wages are a problem after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Manchester City have been named as his primary destination, with it felt they are at the front of the queue for his signature.
They have been negotiating with Napoli over their asking price for several weeks, with them yet to match De Laurentiis’ demands.
Indeed, several reports have indicated they may have turned their attention elsewhere and are instead looking at Sevilla’s Diego Carlos.
“Koulibaly and Milik? I have now decided, from now on when there will be important offers, we will all give in even if they have been with us for a year,” he told Radio Kiss Kiss, relayed by Calcio Napoli 24.
“I have understood that in this country nothing is guaranteed to anyone, and in this Europe that is a total ruin, I say that we must live from day to day.
“I was wrong not to give up Koulibaly when I was offered 110 million pounds, as I was Allan. I didn’t sell him to PSG because there was a return round to play.
“His agent called me, but I told him I was waiting for the club’s proposal. I called the president of PSG and asked him about Allan; he said he would have offered 45 million and not 60.
“Let’s hope Napoli is a fool and not a cheat; it would mean we would have a very feminine team (he jokes).”
That appears to be a clear message as any to Manchester City; offer up the right price, and I’ll happily sell to you this summer.
Whether City are willing to do so, remains to be seen. They’re obviously keen on Koulibaly but don’t want to overpay, particularly if they want to have any hope of getting Lionel Messi.
Until it’s clear whether or not they can actually get the Argentine from Barcelona, this Koulibaly saga may end up rumbling on.
