Manchester City are yet to get close to Napoli’s asking price for Kalidou Koulibaly, with the fees cited in the media untrue.
That’s according to Italian journalist and TV presenter Paolo Esposito, who says City are ‘playing lowball’ when it comes to their bids for the centre back.
City are keen to add another centre back to their squad this summer, despite having already completed a £40m deal for Bournemouth’s Nathan Aké.
Koulibaly is the one they have targeted, but despite nearly two months of negotiations, they are yet to reach an agreement with Napoli over the defender.
That is due to the Italian side’s huge asking price, with it believed they want at least €75m for their man, particularly after rejecting a €110m bid last summer.
That is a price Manchester City seem unwilling to match at this stage, with the two trying to find some sort of middle ground to get a deal over the line.
According to Esposito, though, they are yet to offer anything anywhere near what Napoli are looking for.
“Koulibaly at Manchester City? We all know that Aurelio De Laurentiis is a tough guy, who doesn’t let anyone blackmail him, even less the City that is playing lowball!” he told Area Napoli.
“The real figure he has offered so far is not the one that has appeared on some media! Pep Guardiola has actually offered Naples “only” 55 million euros + 5 bonus!
“Aurelio De Laurentiis, at these figures, is holding it tight and doing well, I add!
“City must understand that with Koulibaly it would be competitive for real to get its hands on the next Champions League.
“But if it doesn’t release 75 million euros + 3 bonus, the Senegalese will see it through the telescope!”
