Before joining Everton, Carlo Ancelotti was the manager at Napoli. Ever since the Italian took over the Merseyside team, the Toffees have been linked with several Napoli players. This summer, Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly finds himself linked to Everton.
Last year, we saw news surfacing of Ancelotti wanting to reunite with some of his Napoli players. The reports of Jose Callejon and Dries Mertens proved to be just rumours but Allan did arrive at Goodison Park to reunite with Ancelotti.
This year, the name of Alex Meret is doing rounds as the Toffees search for a keeper who can compete with Jordan Pickford. There has been no indication of a permanent deal for Robin Olsen which is why goalkeeper links will be common in the summer.
Napoli’s Koulibaly is also a reported target for the Toffees with several publications stating Everton’s desire to sign the Senegalese this summer. Everton do not necessarily need a centre back but if a world class defender is reportedly available and has good connections with Ancelotti, the Toffees could fancy a move.
Everton are still interested in Kalidou Koulibaly
According to Italian Journalist Ciro Venerato (via Calcio Napoli24), there are two expendables in the Napoli team, out of which, one is Koulibaly. Ancelotti would like to have him at Goodison Park as per the journalist.
More from Prince Rupert's Tower
- Everton 0 Arsenal 1: Blues fall to third home defeat
- Further chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 Partners
- Everton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on Sunday
- More madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 Partners
- Everton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questions
The Toffees currently have Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate as centre back options. Jarrad Branthwaite will return from loan and if he isn’t loaned again, he remains the fifth centre back option. In such a scenario, signing another centre back seems farfetched but if the Merseysiders do make a sale, signing Koulibaly will make a lot of sense.
Ancelotti probably wants to bring an experienced defender, a leader at the back who can marshal the rearguard and Koulibaly seems to be the perfect candidate. At one stage, the Senegalese had a price tag of €90 million but as per a report from Express, Napoli are willing to accept a bid as low as €45 million (£38.7 million).
With Napoli prepared to cash in on Koulibaly and regular links to the Royal Blues popping up, there could be some movement expected in the summer. However, the big guns like Manchester United are also attentive and will want to sign the 29 year old.
Should the Toffees make an attempt to sign Kalidou Koulibaly?