Koulibaly completes transfer to Chelsea.

Kalidou Koulibaly has completed his move from Italian side Napoli to recent club world cup winners, Chelsea. The Senegalese defender has just completed his medicals at Stamford Bridge and is looking forward to jet to the USA. He will be joining the rest of Chelsea’s players on their pre-season tour in the States.

The defender has signed a forty million Euros (€ 40 m) contract deal to represent the London side until 2026. Moreover, he will receive a net salary of around ten million Euros (€ 10 m). Chelsea had initially made contact and tried unsuccessfully signing the player back in 2016. The player cited that a conversation with his Senegalese teammate, Edouard Mendy, and former Napoli teammate, Jorginho, influenced his decision.

Good Bye Rudiger

Left, Antonio Rudiger in his first Real Madrid training. He left Chelsea on a free transfer to Real Madrid. Image Credits: Real Madrid

 At the end of the 21/22 Premier League season, Chelsea parted ways with German defender Antonio Rudiger. Rudiger was a crucial piece on Tuchel’s side in previous games. His partnership at the back with Brazilian defender Thiago Silva provided solid protection at the back for the Blues. Moreover, the two had good communication and offered great aerial options at the front in case of set pieces. Silva and Rudiger scored eight (8) goals for Chelsea during the 21/22 Premier League season.

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The departure of Rudiger has necessitated Koulibaly’s transfer to Chelsea. The player is now Chelsea’s second signing this transfer window.

Koulibaly has represented the Italian side since 2014, making it a total of eight (8) years at Naples. Todd Boehly,  Chelsea’s new owner, praised Kalidou Koulibaly upon his signing and said, “Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the world’s elite defenders, and I am delighted to welcome him to Chelsea. A great leader and an exemplary team player. Kalidou brings a wealth of experience and attributes that will benefit the squad and the club as a whole.”

Kalidou Koulibaly in a Napoli shirt last season. The Senegal defender has transfered from Napoli to Chelsea on a four-year contract. Image Credits: Napoli FC

Chelsea’s financially ability this transfer period

Chelsea has been quite active during this transfer period. The new owners, including Tedd Boehly, seem to have a different take on some things compared to the former owner, Abramovich. They have approached several clubs to purchase players. Still, They have only been successful in two instances: the transfer of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and the transfer of Kalidou Koulibaly from the Italian side Napoli. At one point, Chelsea hijacked Arsenal’s move for Raphinha from Leeds but unexpectedly lost the race for Raphinha’s signature. Raphinha, a former Leeds player, chose Barcelona over Chelsea. ‘Broke Barcelona’ indeed.

Talks at an advanced stage for Willian to move to Arsenal

Talks at an advanced stage for Willian to move to Arsenal

Willian is on the verge of moving to Arsenal after failing to agree with Chelsea bosses on his contract extension.

According to reports, the negotiations between Arsenal and the Brazilian have reached at an advanced level to have him join the Gunners.

Arsenal are ready to offer the Brazilian a three-year-deal that he expected to get at Chelsea. According to France Football report, Willian will, however, considers switching between the two London clubs if he gets another year extension in Arsenal’s offer.

Losing Willian will be a tough decision for Chelsea since they have always wanted to keep him. Frank Lampard recently admitted to this.

“I know the situation from the club’s end. But it is his decision and I have not got that answer so I actually do not know what that decision is,” he said.

“It is his choice and I respect his choice. He has been a great servant for Chelsea if he decides to move on. And if he does decide to move on then Chelsea moves on as well and we have to look forward ourselves.”

The 31-year-old has also attracted interest Barcelona but Arsenal seems to be in the pole position to sign him.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images