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.
Written by
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
