Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly is a major target for Inter Milan in defense this summer, although his wages could make a deal difficult.
This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews.
Blues defender Koulibaly looks to be one of Inter’s main targets in defense for this summer.
The Gazzetta confirm that the 31-year-old Senegalese international is indeed a player who the Nerazzurri will push to sign.
Replacing Milan Skriniar is a priority, given that the Slovakian will leave to join Paris Saint-Germain.
In this sense, Koulibaly would represent a lot of experience and proven quality in the Italian top flight, in spite of his underwhelming stint at Stamford Bridge.
Moreover, the futures of all of Stefan de Vrij, Francesco Acerbi, and Danilo D’Ambrosio are also up in the air.
Inter see former Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly as a perfect target to strengthen at the back. The 31-year-old knows Serie A very well, and Inter still believe in his quality despite a disappointing season at Chelsea.
Wages A Hurdle For Inter In Pursuit Of Chelsea Star Kalidou Koulibaly
Inter are gearing up for transfer talks with Chelsea in the next few days.
The main topic of the meeting will be to discuss the future of Romelu Lukaku. However, that’s not all that the two clubs will discuss.
Chelsea, are strongly interested in signing Nerazzurri goalkeeper Andre Onana.
And Koulibaly’s name will be sure to be brought up.
Inter want the former Partenopei man on loan.
Whilst Chelsea could open up to letting Koulibaly leave, and the player could accept a return to Serie A, his wages won’t make a deal easy.
Koulibaly currently earns €10 million net per season at Chelsea. Moreover, given that he left Serie A last summer, the tax benefits of the Growth Decree won’t be applicable to his wages.
As such, Koulibaly would fall well outside Inter’s wage structure.
Accordingly, if the Nerazzurri are to sign the Senegalese, they will need to either have Chelsea pay part of his wages, or have the player accept a wage reduction.