Chelsea Transfer News: Kalidou Koulibaly Interest Confirmed, Latest Rumours

Kalidou Koulibaly's agent has confirmed the defender wants to leave Napoli this summer, and Chelsea are among his suitors. 

His representative Bruno Satin told Radio Crc (h/t Goal's Alex Young):

"

I was in Dimaro on Saturday and we discussed a contract renewal. However, we are not at the point of reaching an agreement. The desire of the player is to leave the club, not renew.

We are told by the club that he is a great player but from the renewal on offer, we don’t see this.

Last year they wanted to sell him, stating he was not focused enough, but then last season he has shown all his quality.

To the fans I say stay calm because he won’t be joining Juventus. Chelsea and Everton are still interested as they are both searching for a central defender of his quality.

"

Per Young, the Senegal international is valued at £37.6 million.

Despite the fact that John Terry will remain at Stamford Bridge for another year, Chelsea's defence could use an injection of young blood, and 25-year-old Koulibaly could be the answer.

GianlucaDiMarzio's David Amoyal is an admirer:

The centre-back is a strong and committed defender who looks to get the ball forward wherever he can, as WhoScored.com revealed:

He should be able to handle the Premier League's physicality thanks to his pace and power, making him a strong candidate to improve the Blues' back four.

Meanwhile, a cheaper option could be Lazio's Stefan de Vrij at £15 million—the Blues have reportedly made an inquiry about the Dutchman, per the Daily Star's Scott Coleman.

VI-Images/Getty Images

The 24-year-old missed almost the entirety of last season because of an injury, but he is also well thought of in Serie A and had an excellent campaign the year before.

Here is how his stats compare with Koulibaly's from last season, per Squawka:

	Koulibaly 2015-16	De Vrij 2014-15
Apps	33	30
Minutes	2,888	2,531
Tackles	69	39
Aerial Duels	81	53
Interceptions	82	103
Blocks	21	14
Clearances	125	187
Pass Completion	86%	83%

Either would be a viable option for the Blues.

De Vrij is likely to be somewhat rusty at first given he's spent the best part of a year out, while Koulibaly should be able to step in straight away but looks likely to cost significantly more.

Regardless of whom they go for, Chelsea appear set to improve a defence that shipped 53 goals last year.