Chelsea 'win £30m race to sign defender Kalidou Koulibaly'

Chelsea have beaten a string of clubs to the signing of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to a report.

The Senegal international is expected to depart the Stadio San Paolo this summer after talks over a new contract with the Serie A outfit reached a dead end.

News of Koulibaly's likely departure saw a number of teams, including Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal, linked with a move for the highly-rated centre-back.

It has been suggested by The Mirror that Chelsea are the side to have got to the player's signature first, though, with official confirmation to be made once a severance package with Napoli is agreed.

Koulibaly joined the Partenopei from Genk in 2014, making 42 appearances for the club last season in all competitions.