Koulibaly's agent confirms Chelsea interest

Chelsea has apparently turned its attention to Italy as the club attempts to boost its defensive ranks.

The Premier League team has expressed an interest in acquiring Napoli central defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer after the player decided not to renew his contract with the Partenopei, the player's agent revealed.

Koulibaly's agent, Bruno Satin, added that a meeting with club president, Aurelio De Laurentiis has already taken place to discuss the 25-year-old's desire to leave, but made assurances that he will not join any of the team's Serie A rivals.

"That I know of, Koulibaly's not about to renew (his contract) and the future doesn't look rosy," Satin said to Radio CRC, as translated by Sky Sports. The player's desire is to leave and the signs we're receiving from Napoli don't exactly pressure him otherwise.

"We've decided to leave for economic reasons. After what happened to Higuain, though, Kalidou will not be leaving for Juventus or another competitor.

"Chelsea still want him and there's time to close the deal."

Chelsea has upgraded its midfield with the arrivals of Michy Batshuayi from Marseille and N'Golo Kante from Leicester City for a combined fee reportedly worth £65 million. But new manager Antonio Conte has yet to address the team's needs at the back.

While there's seemingly no urgent need to strengthen the centre-back position, Conte may be in search of insurance for the likes of Kurt Zouma - who is coming off and major knee surgery - and an aging John Terry.

Koulibaly joined Napoli from Genk in 2014, and was one of Serie A's standout performers last season, appearing in 32 matches during the team's second-place finish.