Napoli in ‘no danger’ of losing star defender despite interest from Barcelona

Although Andreas Christensen is soon expected to be registered to the Barcelona squad, coach Xavi Hernandez is currently on the hunt for yet another top-class centre-back in the market.

Jules Kounde is a name often mentioned in the press, with Xavi appearing to be a massive admirer of the Sevilla starlet, who is regarded as one of the best young centre-backs in world football.

However, Barcelona are aware of interest from Chelsea while the player himself is expected to cost a fortune. It has compelled Xavi to keep an eye out for alternatives, and that is where Kalidou Koulibaly has come into the fray.

According to a report from Gianluca Di Marzio (h/t Napoli Report), Barcelona are the club most interested in securing the services of Koulibaly this summer.

The Senegalese international has been an extraordinary servant for the Italian club over the years, but his current contract in Naples is set to expire in 2023. Many expect the defender to finally call an end to his career at Napoli and seek a new adventure elsewhere.

Barcelona have been mooted as a potential destination for Koulibaly, with the player himself enticed by the prospect of becoming a key part of Xavi’s setup next season.

However, in the Napoli camp, there are no fears of losing Koulibaly this summer. Although the defender’s contract expires at the end of next season, the Partenopei are dealing the situation calmly and believe there is room for negotiations.

Di Marzio suggests Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, who is a massive admirer of Koulibaly and wants to keep the Senegalese international at all costs, could act as a guarantor between the player and the club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

The two parties had met earlier this summer, where Koulibaly had reportedly hinted of his desire to quit Napoli. But with two months still remaining before the new season gets underway, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the established centre-back. this summer.