31-year-old centre-back prefers a move to Barcelona over Chelsea or Juventus

Barcelona have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

The 31-year-old centre-half has entered the final year of his contract with the Partenopei and has not signed a new deal. An exit looks like a strong possibility for the Senegalese international as he looks for a new challenge after eight years in Napoli.

There is no shortage of suitors for Koulibaly either, with Barcelona, Chelsea and Juventus all vying to sign him up, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. However, as per the Italian journalist, the defender favours a move to Camp Nou over his other two suitors.

Barcelona are in the market for another defender despite the signing of Andreas Christensen. The Blaugrana have identified Sevilla star Jules Kounde as their main target, with the Frenchman himself believed to be open to joining the Catalans after speaking with Xavi.

However, reaching an agreement with Sevilla is proving to be a bit of an issue, forcing Barça to keep their options open. Koulibaly, to that end, is seen as a more financially viable option given his contract status.

Barcelona, though, face the threat of losing him to either Chelsea or Juventus. Indeed, the Bianconeri are reported to have met with the Senegalese international’s agent on Wednesday night to discuss the possibility of a transfer.

However, as per the report, Koulibaly would favour moving out of Italy if he were to leave Napoli this summer. Furthermore, as things stand, the 31-year-old favours a move to Barcelona over both Chelsea and Juventus.

While it is certainly a boost for Barça in their hopes of signing the Napoli ace, whether they are willing to turn their full focus towards him and call off their pursuit of Kounde remains the big question.