Chelsea make progress in getting another top class defender

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Chelsea have been linked with a number of defenders since the exit of centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

According to reports, Chelsea are targeting at least two centre-backs to come in for the duo.

Nathan Ake’s transfer to Chelsea is certain at the moment, and the Blues have now made progress in the race to sign up Kalidou Koulibaly from Italian Serie A side Napoli.

According to Sky Italia, an offer from Chelsea for the 30-year-old Senegal international is imminent.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis  has always denied Kalidou Koulibaly the opportunity to move to Chelsea.

The report from Italy claim De Laurentiis will on Thursday have a meeting with club officials to understand the extent of the interest from Chelsea and the player’s point of view.

Koulibaly is open to a Chelsea move this time, and has received an offer of 6 million from Napoli for 5 years, but has not given a response.

Koulibaly has so far refused to sign a new contract with Napoli, amid Chelsea’s interest.

Journalist Fabrice Hawkins has also claimed that the Senegal international looks “very close” to completing a move to Stamford Bridge for a fee of around €40million.

According to Nathan Gissing, Chelsea are in contact with Napoli, and see Koulibaly as an alternative to Matthijs de Ligt.

Chelsea seem to have backed out from the deal for De Ligt, as the centre-back is close to joining Bayern Munich for a massive €90m fee.