Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is one of the biggest priorities for Barcelona this summer. At least, to most in the boardroom. However, recent reports suggest that Xavi prefers Sevilla defender Jules Kounde but the Barca execs like the lower price of Koulibaly.
The center-back is also an experienced international and a left-sided centre-back. These are two more reasons why the Barca chiefs think he might be a better option than the Frenchman this summer.
The problem for Barca being able to secure Koulibaly is he still has a year left on his deal. Napoli seem stubborn enough to wait things out. The thing that helps Barca is that Napoli reportedly don’t want to send him anywhere in Italy.
If Xavi can’t manage to get Kounde then Barca will likely shift priority to Kalidou. In that scenario the club will ramp up negotiations with Napoli. They just have to bank on Napoli wanting to at least get something for their defender before he leaves for free next summer.
