London outfit Arsenal might be one of the busiest clubs in the upcoming summer transfer window. They have lost Arsene Wenger and are yet to replace him, but that has not stopped the club from scouting for players who can improve their side next season.
One such link, that refuses to die is Arsenal’s interest in Kalidou Koulibaly.
Koulibaly Top Of Arsenal’s Wish List
One of the most unfailing defenders in Serie A for more than a year now, Senegalese international Koulibaly has been a transfer target for Arsenal for quite some time now. Also linked with a move to Chelsea, Koulibaly is reportedly valued at £53m, with Napoli ready to sell at the right price.
And an exclusive from The Express now claims that Arsenal have made him their top transfer target for this summer and are ready to meet his valuation. So is he a decent acquisition for The Gunners?
Koulibaly And His History
Born and brought up in France, the 26-year old played for Metz and Genk before settling with the Italian giants in Naples, back in 2014. He took very little time to establish himself in the first team and soon turned into the first choice CB at the club for Maurizio Sarri.
He has five goals and an assist in 33 top-flight appearances in Italy and was one of the most consistent CBs in the group stages of the Champions League this season. A strong and dominating presence at the back, the 26-year old is comfortable with the ball at his feet and shows composure under pressure, midfielders would be jealous of.
He loves to command his backline and is ready to step up and sniff danger early but is also proficient in sitting back and soaking up pressure when needed. He rarely is prone to errors, is calculated even in the risks he takes and is certainly one of the most dependable CBs in Europe at the moment.
Where Does He Fit In?
The Gunners will lose Per Mertesacker this summer and will also not see Laurent Koscielny for last the first few months of the next season. Shkodran Mustafi has not filled the fans or the manager will confidence and cannot be the first choice next season, leaving Arsenal with Rob Holding, Calum Chambers and Kostas Konstantinos Mavropanos as the only options for the two defensive roles for the start of the next campaign.
So it is imperative that they spend on more than one centre-back and Koulibaly is as good an option at any. At £53m, he is hardly overpriced for this inflated transfer market and at just 26, he can walk into the first team and will solve this problem for years to come.
With 22 international appearances for Senegal, Koulibaly is an established defender but do you think he is the right man for Arsenal?
