Man Utd and Chelsea transfer boost in race for Ronald Araujo as Barcelona line up Kalidou Koulibaly as replacement
BARCELONA are keeping tabs on Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly ahead of the summer transfer window, reports suggest.
According to Calciomercato, Barca consider Koulibaly as a potential replacement for Ronald Araujo – who has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea.
That will come as a major transfer boost for both United and the Blues as the Blaugrana understand there is a possibility of losing Araujo and are thinking ahead.
The centre-back’s contract runs out in 2023 and the Nou Camp outfit is working hard to seal a renewal.
United are reportedly planning a ‘big investment’ for the Uruguay international after a poor season that has seen captain Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly all struggle.
Chelsea have also been linked, although they currently can’t sign or sell players after departing owner Roman Abramovich was hit with sanctions by the Government.
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Abramovich had his assets frozen due to Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine and his alleged ties with president Vladimir Putin.
Barcelona manager Xavi is looking to significantly boost his defence and is already moving for Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, whose contracts run out in June.
But the Spanish club also want to land long-term target Koulibaly and have already met with his agent Fali Ramadani.
Barcelona mainly talked about the future of Miralem Pjanic, who’s on loan at Besiktas and is also represented by Ramadani.
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However, reports suggest the Senegal international was also mentioned in that meeting.
The centre-back’s contract with Napoli expires in 2023 and the Partenopei are looking to renew his deal.
If a deal is not reached then the Serie A giants are willing to discuss a transfer in order to avoid losing the 30-year-old for free next year.