Arsenal and Man United set to go head-to-head for Napoli star – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Arsenal and Manchester United are keeping tabs on Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Both clubs are keen to boost their defensive options and a summer bidding war looks on the cards.
Italian media outlet Calciomercato says Arsenal sent a team of scouts to watch Koulibaly in Napoli’s Europa League clash with RB Leipzig last week.
United are also in the market for a new centre-back and manager Jose Mourinho is believed to be keen on signing the 26-year-old.
Koulibaly began his senior club career with French side Metz in 2010, before moving to Belgian club Genk in 2012.
He joined Italian side Napoli two years later and soon established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A.
Koulibaly made his senior international debut with Senegal in 2015, and was a member of the squad that took part at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Gunners were strongly linked with a move for West Brom’s Jonny Evans during the January transfer window, but it now appears that manager Arsene Wenger has earmarked Koulibaly as the ideal player to shore up his defence.
Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have come in for plenty of criticism for their performances with United and Mourinho is also keen to strengthen his backline.
Koulibaly has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea in the past and is likely to command a fee in excess of £40 million.