Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly himself is open to a move to Manchester City this summer, while the Citizens could use fringe players in a part-exchange deal for the defender, according to reports.
The centre-back - often ranked as one of the best in the world - is said to be on keen to move this summer, with many of Europe's top clubs monitoring his situation, from PSG to Chelsea and Manchester United.
It is reported that Manchester City lead the way for the Senegal star's signature. According to Duncan Castles from the Transfer Window Podcast, sources close to the player have said that the 29-year-old himself believes there is a 'strong chance' he will be a Sky Blue this summer.
Napoli intend to sell Kalidou Koulibaly: Where does the Senegal centre back fit in the transfer plans of Liverpool and Manchester City?https://t.co/11bSakGTrc pic.twitter.com/sPFHpzChCt
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) June 23, 2020
Castles claims that City have made a huge effort to attract world-class defenders, after falling short defensively this season, and Koulibaly is said to be one of their targets in the upcoming window.
It's no secret that the Citizens have been interested in the Senegal international. In January, 90min reported exclusively that the club were willing to activate his release clause and were determined to land his services in the summer.
And recently, other sources have confirmed to 90min that Napoli were willing to lower their demanded fee for the 29-year-old, with £75m (around €80m) the fee thought to make a potential transfer happen.
Meanwhile, Arena Napoli reports that City could offer fringe players - such a Joao Cancelo, Oleksandr Zinchenko and/or Angeliño - in a part-exchange deal to bring down the overall cost of a transfer. However, it is said that the real goal of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis would be Gabriel Jesus.
90??? ?????????: Napoli are prepared to lower their asking price for Kalidou Koulibaly...
— 90min (@90min_Football) June 15, 2020
Koulibaly's arrival would certainly give manager Pep Guardiola the potential for a world-class defensive pairing to work with at the Etihad Stadium - something the club has lacked this season, with Aymeric Laporte's injury woes and the inconsistencies of Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones.
Given their defensive woes during this season, City have made strengthening their defensive stocks a key priority for the summer.
In addition to Koulibaly, Guardiola is said to be a huge admirer of Benfica's centre-back Rúben Dias, while 90min have also reported that the team have looked at bringing over Bayern Munich's David Alaba in exchange for wantaway winger Leroy Sané.
Source : 90min