Napoli set to offer mega €8 million contract to Barcelona target – report

The upcoming week could be crucial to the future of one of the most of sought-after defenders in the market, in the form of Kalidou Koulibaly.

A recent report from Corriere dello Sport has offered a detailed update on the future of the Napoli defender, who is staring at an uncertain summer as his contract in Naples expires at the end of next season.

Koulibaly has already rejected Napoli’s first offer for renewal and is aware of the interest from FC Barcelona.

Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, though, is keen on keeping hold of the defender and views him as fundamental to the club’s further growth. Such thoughts are shared by the club’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who is now prepared to fight hard to retain his services.

Laurentiis has already made the operation difficult for Barcelona by slapping a €40 million price tag on Koulibaly.

Although coach Xavi Hernandez rates the defender highly, Barça are in no position to spend anything close to that amount over Koulibaly, especially in light of the ongoing economic crisis.

The Napoli president is looking to make the operation impossible for Barcelona by weighing up another offer for Koulibaly.

He is readying a package worth €8 million per season and offering him a five-year deal, in order to secure his future at Napoli and effectively label him nontransferable this summer.

The Senegalese international, though, might not be all too keen on penning a contract extension at Napoli, knowing the club will have to sanction his sale if they fail to agree to a new contract.

With the defender reportedly keen on joining Barcelona, another rejection to Napoli might do the trick.

Although he may have to settle for lower wages at Camp Nou, the prospect of playing for Barça could be incentive enough for Koulibaly, who will be keen on taking the next step in his career after years of success at Napoli.