Inter Milan have identified Kalidou Koulibaly as their primary transfer target, while his Chelsea teammate Trevoh Chalobah is the alternative.
The Nerazzurri need to bolster their backline following the departure of Milan Skriniar who will join Paris Saint-Germain. The Slovakian will land in the French capital as a free agent following the expiry of his Inter contract.
Therefore, the Beneamata have turned their attention to Koulibaly who was one of the most fearsome centre-backs during his time in Italian football.
The 31-year-old was a stalwart for Napoli between 2014 and 2022. Nonetheless, he failed to find his best form during his maiden campaign in the Premier League.
So according to Il Giornale via FcInter1908, Koulibaly is no longer a part of Chelsea’s project following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.
But while the Blues would be open to loaning the Senegalese defender to Inter, the player’s hefty wages remain the main obstacle. He currently earns 10 million euros per year as net wages.
As the source explains, Chelsea would have to contribute by paying 50% of the defender’s wages during his loan stint at the Giuseppe Meazza.
So if Inter fail to secure the signature of Koulibaly, then his Chelsea teammate Chalobah could be a viable alternative.
The 23-year-old is an English defender who rose through Chelsea’s youth ranks and became a member of the first team in recent years.
Nevertheless, the young defender could be tempted by a foreign experience which would allow him to develop his game while collecting more playing time.
