Chelsea are in front of Arsenal in the race to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly according to reports in Italy from Corriere dello Sport.
The 26-year-old has for some time now been linked with a move away from Italy but Napoli are very reluctant to sell the player who has been a key figure for them this season.
The defender joined the club in 2014 and is under contract with the Italian side until 2021, meaning any deal to sign him is not going to be cheap.
He has had another fine season for the club, featuring in 39 matches across all competitions which has included four goals and one assist along with some brilliant defensive displays.
He has played a part in a Napoli defence who have conceded the second fewest goals in the division.
His current transfer value is reportedly somewhere in the region of £40 million and Chelsea could be prepared to pay that as they look to shake up their defence next season.
