Chelsea launch Koulibaly bid, Napoli turn down initial bid, demand £30m

Chelsea have officially made their move for Napoli's Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly with a £19.2million bid. The Londoners have been huge fans of the 24-year-old centre-back, currently caught in a transfer row with his club.

Napoli have now rejected Chelsea's latest £19.2million bid offer, demanding £30million.

The club are upset with Koulibaly for claiming recently that he would be willing to speak to Chelsea.

The player said: “I have not talked to [Antonio Conte] but that may be soon.

“The game in England could be suitable for me but I like Italy. I do not press for a transfer but I hope to sign a renewal with Napoli or we proceed to other solutions.”

Last summer, Daily Express revelaed the Blues as well as Manchester United indicated interest in the player, while Southampton and Norwich also made enquiries into his availability - however, he turned all down all moves away from the Italian club down. His agent Bruno Satin later revealed he opted to stay in order to fight for his first team place.