There’s a report in Tuesday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, which may well give some hope, even if just a little, to Chelsea over Kalidou Koulibaly.
But now there’s a reason, which gives a shed of light. Gazzetta say Napoli can’t sell Koulibaly because they haven’t been able to secure a replacement.
It’s not simply a principle thing, or De Laurentiis refusing because he’s already sold Gonzalo Higuain this summer and can’t take another blow to his pride.
That’s good news, it’s far easier for Chelsea to deal with a logical situation, rather than De Laurentiis bringing his giant pride into the equation.
Napoli have tried to sign Nikola Maksimovic from Turin for around €25m, but they received a refusal. The offer alone would suggest a little doubt on Koulibaly. They’re also linked to Benfica’s Victor Lindelof, but then so are Chelsea.
Gazzetta say Napoli have previously tried to sign Daniele Rugani from Juventus this summer, but failed there too.
Of course, Napoli failing to sign a replacement for Koulibaly isn’t great news… but it is good news that they’re actually trying to.
