Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal are reportedly using the signing of Ruben Neves to land Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal international centre-back looks set to be one of Mauricio Pochettino’s casualties following the Argentine’s appointment at Stamford Bridge after just one year in west London.
Koulibaly has failed to live up to expectations since joining the club in a £34million deal from Napoli last summer.
Now it looks as though Chelsea could receive a sizable fee for the 31-year-old, who is also wanted by Inter Milan.
Fabrizio Romano claims Al Hilal are prepared to pay up to £25million for Koulibaly as they seek to add another big-name signing to their ranks from the Premier League.
Al Hilal have already agreed a £47m fee with Wolves to sign Neves in a shock move that will end his six-year stay at Molineux.
Neves is due to travel to the Middle East in the coming days to finalise the move despite interest from Barcelona.
Koulibaly could be due to follow suit providing Al Hilal are able to strike a deal with Chelsea in due course.
Inter have recently proposed a loan deal for the player but Chelsea have no interest in accepting the proposal.
But having previously shone in Serie A with Napoli, Koulibaly could be forgiven if he wishes to return to Italy after a tough debut campaign in England.
The colossal central defender would reportedly net around £25m per season in the Middle East on a three-year contract.
He’s not the only Chelsea player of interest either in Saudi Arabia where clubs are continuing to target marquee signings from Europe’s top-five leagues.
Hakim Ziyech is wanted by Al-Nassr where he could yet team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
Edouard Mendy has also received an offer from Al Ahli and he looks likely to depart Chelsea this summer.
Romelu Lukaku remains in talks over a return to Inter Milan after rejecting an approach from Al Hilal.
Koulibaly’s exit could pave the way for Levi Colwill to break into the Chelsea first-team following his loan spell with Brighton last season.
The Seagulls have already seen one bid rejected for Colwill and are expected to try again with a fresh £40m proposal.
Colwill wants assurances of regular playing time at Stamford Bridge and Pochettino is keen to build his defence around the youngster.
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