Published 15:40 IST, September 14th 2020

Make or break week for Koulibaly transfer? Man City target could end up staying at Napoli

Napoli centre-back and Manchester City target Kalidou Koulibaly could end up staying in Italy if the Etihad-based outfit does not agree to his valuation price.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
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Premier League giants Manchester City slipped in title race against ultimate champions Liverpool previous term after winning accolade twice in a row. Pep Guardiola hinted that he was working at identifying loopholes, which could mean arrival of some key players. With a shaky defence, Spanish tactician identified Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly to take over backline after departure of Vincent Kompany in 2019. This week is expected to bring down curtains on much-anticipated transfer. 

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Napoli manr speaks on Koulibaly transfer 

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Napoli manr Gennaro Gattuso has claimed that Koulibaly will t be sold if Man City fail to meet valuation price set out by Italian side. Guardiola has identified Koulibaly as ideal defender to play alongside Aymeric Laporte at Etihad Stadium.  Despite interest from Man City, negotiations with Napoli have seen slow progress. slow-paced negotiations have been attributed to fact that two clubs share a frosty relationship after fallout of Jorginho deal two years ago. Italian midfielder, instead, went on to join Premier League rivals, Chelsea. 

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Koulibaly speaks to Napoli president 

Man City attempted to rope in former Leicester City defender Harry Maguire last summer. A failure to meet valuation price saw him join local rivals Manchester United. A similar situation has again emerged with Koulibaly transfer, involving Man City. Etihad-based outfit is yet to agree to valuation price set out by Napoli for centre-back, much to anyance of president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

According to latest developments, Koulibaly has reportedly spoken to president in search of clarity over his future. defender demands that club eir offer him a renewed contract with better pay. If club does t agree to a new deal, n y should allow him to leave for Premier League for a lower valuation, citing coronavirus pandemic. 

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Man City transfer news: Zinchenko - Koulibaly swap?

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko could play an important role in ensuring Koulibaly's arrival at Etihad. Several reports suggest that Man City could offer Ukraine international to Napoli in an attempt to lure m to sell Senegalese international. Indeed, ongoing week could prove significant in making or breaking deal for Napoli star. 

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Also Read | Kevin De Bruyne becomes first Man City player to win PFA Player of Year; fans react

Im courtesy: Kalidou Koulibaly Instagram

15:40 IST, September 14th 2020