PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Kalidou Koulibaly – Everton, Arsenal to tussle for his signature

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Feb 20, 2018. 13:00

Senegal and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly could see himself in the English Premier League, as Everton and Arsenal have shown interest.

Media reports in Europe suggest that the central defender is reportedly available for £40m and his addition could transform the Toffees.

The Lions of Teranga stalwart is a key member of the Napoli squad as they keep challenging Juventus in the Serie A title this season.

Should Napoli lift it at the end of the campaign, it will be as much to do with Koulibaly’s defensive brilliance as well as the mesmeric attacking of Dries Mertens, Marek Hamsik and Lorenzo Insigne.

Bound to represent his country at the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, Koulibaly has evolved into one of the world’s best centre-backs during his time in Italy’s top flight.

On the other hand, it should be no surprise to learn that the habitually precarious Arsenal are also keen to pay top dollar to bring him to the Emirates.

According to Calciomercato, the Gunners have sent scouts to watch Koulibaly during Napoli’s 3-1 home defeat to RB Leipzig in the Europa League on Thursday and it is understood that he is valued at £40 million – something of a snip in today’s market for a world class centre-half.

Everton’s majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri admitted to talkSPORT that he was keen to sign the Senegal international during the summer of 2016, only to back away once Napoli revealed their £60 million price-tag.

So if Maurizio Sarri’s side are willing to sell for £20 million less, Everton should not waste such an opportunity.

Moreover, the EPL side cannot afford to miss such an opportunity because their defence has been a problem for all season with 46 goals conceded in 27 league games.