Chelsea transfer news: Napoli 'reject £19.2m offer' for Kalidou Koulibaly

The 24-year-old centre-back is among new Blues manager Antonio Conte’s primary transfer targets

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly (Getty Images)

Chelsea have been thwarted in their attempts to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly after the Italian club reportedly rejected a £19.2m offer this week.

The 24-year-old centre-back is among new Blues manager Antonio Conte’s primary transfer targets this summer despite securing John Terry on a new one-year contract towards the end of last season.

It remains to be seen if the Londoners will return with an improved offer with the Daily Mirror suggesting Napoli are prepared to hold out for £30m despite Koulibaly telling the media in recent weeks that a move to Stamford Bridge could happen soon.

The Senegal international said: “I have not talked to [Antonio Conte] but that may be soon. The game in England could be suitable for me but I like Italy. I do not press for a transfer but I hope to sign a renewal with Napoli or we proceed to other solutions.”

Koulibaly excelled in Serie A last season, making 42 appearances in all competitions, and has attracted the interest of Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain in the past.

After missing out on Champions League qualification last season, new manager Conte has been tasked with restoring Chelsea to the upper reaches of the Premier League table next year.

The Italian is currently managing his national team at Euro 2016 but is in regular contact with the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.