Chelsea keeping tabs on Napoli financial problems with Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens eyed in cheap transfers
CHELSEA reportedly have their eye on Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens with Napoli reportedly facing a cashflow crisis.
Italian football journalist Ciro Venerato claims staff and players at the Naples giants have not received any pay since July.
Gennaro Gattuso’s side, who are currently sixth in Serie A, are among the division’s teams whose finances have taken a hit following the Covid crisis.
And earlier this year it is thought the Napoli boss took a wage reduction in order to help Napoli save the jobs of club staff.
Football.London believes Napoli, who will play Roma on Sunday, could look to shift some players off their wage bill, should Venerato’s claims prove true.
And it is thought Chelsea, who strengthened their backline with the summer signing of veteran Thiago Silva, could consider a swoop for Koulibaly – if Napoli are open to a cut-price sale.
Koulibaly, who has also been heavily linked with a move to Prem champions Liverpool, was reportedly a top target for Frank Lampard’s side with the player valued around £63million.
And club director Marina Granovskaia reportedly made previous contact with the defender’s agent over a possible summer switch.
The Serie A star, 29, is widely seen as one of Europe’s best central defenders.
With Silva turning 37 next year, the Blues could look to revive their interest in the Senegal international.
Reports suggest Chelsea, who face Tottenham next in the league, could also be in the market for an older winger as back up to their promising young attackers.
It is thought Mertens, 33, who has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven Serie A games this term, could fit the bill following Pedro’s and Willian’s departures.
The club came close to adding Belgium ace Mertens to their ranks in the summer until the winger reportedly decided to turn his back on a move.
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