Everton have trumped Chelsea’s bid for Belgian defender Kalidou Koulibaly, but Napoli remain desperate to hold on to the player this summer.
The former Racing Genk defender played a key role in Napoli finishing second in Serie A last season, and qualifying for the Champions League, but the club are now just about clinging on to him.
Chelsea have been keeping a close watch on the defender for months, and have already slapped in a €45m bid for the player, but the Blues have been shocked by a rival bid from another Premier League club.
According to Italian broadcaster Sportitalia, Everton are going toe-to-toe with Chelsea for Koulibaly’s signature, and have slapped in a €55m offer for the 25-year-old Belgian defender.
New Everton majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri is ready to spend big money to improve the squad, and they are keen to show their ambition by beating Chelsea to the defender’s signing.
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On the other hand Napoli are desperate to hold on to the defender, but Koulibaly has already rejected their latest contract offer worth €1.5m per year, and the club are aware that they can’t compete with the riches available in England.
They are looking at other options before taking a decision on Koulibaly’s future at the San Paolo, amidst offers from Everton and Chelsea.
