A small problem for Napoli after defender Kalidou Koulibaly rejected a new contract offer from the club; at least for now. The vesuviani have been trying to tie down the 24-year-old for several months but the two parties are still a long way from reaching an agreement. Napoli has offered to almost double his current salary to €1.2 million a season; the player however, is asking for around €2 million.
 

 President AurelioDe Laurentiis cannot agree to these demands as he needs to steady the balance sheet. To arrive at the figures the Senegalese defender is requesting will take more time and now Napoli are a little worried as various clubs around Europe show interest. Chelsea are following with great interest, there is no doubt about this. The new coach Antonio Conte has two names for the centre of his defence; Rudiger of Roma and Koulibaly. De Laurentiis is trying to ward off potential suitors by placing a €30 million price-tag on the player, but the feeling is that the priority for Chelsea is Rudiger and De Laurentiis crosses his fingers hoping that Chelsea complete his signing  

In the hope that Chelsea does not make an offer and put in motion the expectations of the player, the will of Naples is to keep the defender, even in the face of a super offer of €30 million or more. The determination of the President is to keep the defender, no ifs and buts, hoping that Conte leaves him alone.


Original article by Giovanni Scotto. Translation by Steve Mitchell