Chelsea have told Napoli that they will not be increasing their bid for defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to the Daily Telegraph.
The Blues have reportedly tabled a huge £40m offer for the Senegalese defender, who is said to have emerged as Antonio Conte’s top defensive target within the last month or so.
With the Italian coach having utilised a 3-5-2 formation in previous jobs, options currently plying their trade at Stamford Bridge have made that difficult during his early tenure.
Only John Terry and Gary Cahill in the squad are fully-fit recognised central defenders, with Kurt Zouma still suffering with injury.
Koulibaly emerged as one of the most formidable defenders in Serie A last season, making 2.5 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per 90 mins of league action (thanks to WhoScored.)
A bruising and imposing physical presence, the former Genk ace is noted on the website for his ability to tackle and pass.
Still, the Blues are believed to have told the Serie A titans they are not willing to go any higher than what they have already offered for the 25-year-old, and are actively pursuing other targets.
Amid the lavish spending currently going on in Manchester right now, it has been a relatively quiet summer in West London.
Only N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi have joined Conte through the door at Stamford Bridge, still housing a squad that have had entirely contrasting fortunes over the past two years.
Would Kalidou Koulibaly be the best defensive signing Chelsea could make at this stage? Let us know below!