Barcelona will make a serious move for AFCON-winning defender in the coming days

Barcelona are set to make some big moves in the upcoming summer transfer window as they look to challenge for trophies again after a lacklustre campaign.

Manager Xavi Hernandez is eyeing reinforcements across several positions, with a new centre-back among the priorities despite the club having a deal in place to sign Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a Bosman deal.

And Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has emerged as one of the targets for the Catalan giants.

In fact, Italian journalist Francesco Modugno has told Sky Sport (h/t Mundo Deportivo) Barcelona have a strong and concrete interest in Koulibaly and they will make a serious move for the Senegalese international in the next few days.

Koulibaly has been one of the best defenders in Serie A over the past half a decade or so. The 30-year-old has been with Napoli for almost eight years now and could be looking for a change of scenery, especially with his contract set to run out in 2023.

While he may not be the youngest option that Barça are looking at, Koulibaly can be an asset for the Catalan giants due to his volumes of experience and the leadership qualities that he brings to the table.

The veteran star, who was part of the Senegal national team that won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, has a huge admirer in Barcelona manager Xavi.

But Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis could cause complications by demanding a large sum for the 30-year-old’s services in the summer transfer window.

Apart from Koulibaly, Barça are also looking at Sevilla mainstay Jules Kounde, while AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli is also believed to be on the agenda for the Catalan heavyweights.

So, it remains to be seen if Barcelona press ahead with their interest in Koulibaly come summer or decide to explore other alternatives.