Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been linked with a move away from the Italian club this summer.
The 30-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best defenders around Europe, and it seems that he is keen on a move to Barcelona.
It is no surprise that the Catalan giants will have to strengthen at the back to challenge for the league title and the Champions League next season.
Signing the 30-year-old Senegalese defender would be a wise move from Barcelona and Xavi Hernandez.
However, Napoli are unlikely to sell the player for cheap, and Barcelona might have to pay a premium for his services.
Koulibaly is at the peak of his powers right now, and he should be able to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact at the Spanish club.
However, reports claim that the defender is prepared to join up with Napoli for the preseason if a move to Barcelona does not go through in the coming weeks.
This summer could be the defender’s final opportunity to join a top club, and he will be desperate to engineer a move away from Italy in the coming weeks. He is 30 and won’t want to spend his peak years at a club incapable of winning the major honours.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona can stump up the cash required to sign the Senegalese defender.
The Spanish giants are currently going through a financial crisis, and it will be difficult for them to pay big money for the 30-year-old. However, the fact that the player will be a free agent next summer gives the Spanish club some much-needed leverage to negotiate a reasonable fee.