Senegal and Napoli centre-back, Kalidou Koulibaly could become the world’s second most expensive defender after reports in Europe suggested that he could be leaving the Italian side. The reports cite that Chelsea are front-runners in the race to secure the Senegalese’ services and are preparing a bid of around £65 million which is only £10 million less than what Liverpool paid for Virgil Van Dijk in a world record deal for a defender.

The 26-year old has been an exceptional player for Napoli attracting interest from an array of English Premier League teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City. He recently blew the Italian Serie A title race open by securing a 1-0 win over leaders Juventus for his club with a fine fine header. He joined Napoli in the summer of 2014 from Belgian side KRC Genk for a fee of £7 million and has made 161 appearances, scoring eight goals for the club.

Chelsea are looking to defensively strengthen a side that has typically failed to defend a Premier League title and sit in fifth place, five points adrift the final champions league spot occupied by Tottenham. They, however, have a chance to salvage some silverware, should they overcome Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in the FA Cup final. Perhaps Antonio Conte’s “dark days” could end with some silver lining.