Napoli open to offers for Barcelona defensive target amidst renewal struggles

Barcelona have received a boost in their pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly as the Italian giants are now ready to entertain offers for the 30-year-old, having failed in their attempts to renew his contract.

Koulibaly, who has been a rock at the back for Napoli since 2014, is entering the final year of his contract with the Partenopei.

The Italian giants had made an offer of an extension for the Senegalese centre-half. However, given their financial situation, Napoli proposed a deal with a lowered salary, which Koulibaly was swift to reject.

The defender is understood to have informed Napoli that he wishes to depart in the summer transfer window. And now, according to Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Spazio Napoli), the Serie A giants are ready to listen to offers for the 30-year-old.

This development will come as music to the ears of Barcelona officials, who are intent on landing Koulibaly this summer.

The Blaugrana have already agreed to sign Andreas Christensen on a Bosman deal when his contract with Chelsea expires. However, manager Xavi Hernandez is keen on adding another defender to his ranks this summer.

Such a move makes sense as well, considering Gerard Pique’s chronic injury issues, coupled with the fact that Eric Garcia did not showcase his best form in his debut season at Camp Nou.

Koulibaly, to that end, can be an exceptional signing. One of the most experienced and reliable defenders going around, the 30-year-old will bring solidity, organisation and leadership at the back for the Catalans.

Reports on Thursday suggested that Koulibaly’s agent, Fali Ramadani, had already spoken to Barça officials but had expressed some concern over the club’s economic difficulties and sought reassurances that they can successfully sign and register the centre-half.

That is likely to be the case with almost all players who are on the Catalans’ wishlist this summer. So, it is imperative that the Blaugrana sort out the financial matters at the earliest.