Chelsea 'favourites to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli'

Chelsea have emerged as the rumoured frontrunners to sign centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli once the transfer window reopens.

The Blues missed out on the 26-year-old last summer and have since seen rival clubs reportedly join the race to land his signature.

Premier League foes Arsenal and La Liga giants Barcelona are understood to be in the mix to sign Koulibaly, who has formed part of the second-best defensive system in the Italian top flight this term.

According to BetStars, however, it is Chelsea who currently lead the way to nab the in-demand Senegal international, as they seek a replacement for the unwanted David Luiz and ageing teammate Gary Cahill.

Koulibaly, under contract with Napoli until 2021, has also previously been touted as a possible target for Manchester United.