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Arsenal transfer news: Big Kalidou Koulibaly claim made - ‘he is coming to Premier League’
NAPOLI defender Kalidou Koulibaly WILL move to the Premier League and would be the perfect signing for Arsenal.
Man Utd target Kalidou Koulibaly in Dubai with Salt Bae
That is the verdict of Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson.
Centre-back Koulibaly is much sought after and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
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Express Sport understood Arsenal were keen on the Senegal international last summer but a deal failed to materialise.
Arsenal’s defence has once again come under much scrutiny this season despite a change in head coach.
I think he would tick a lot of boxes for, whether it’s Arsenal, [any team]. He is a top defender
Unai Emery has admitted he would like to make improvements to his backline after keeping just three clean sheets to far in the Premier League this season.
Thompson is a fan of Koulibaly and was impressed in Napoli’s two Champions League group games against Liverpool earlier this term.
However, he reckons Arsenal would have to fork out a lot of money for him and fight off competition from their rivals for his signature.
“Somebody in the Premier League, I think, are going to take Koulibaly, who is the centre-back for Napoli.
“I’ve seen him obviously when Liverpool played them but before that.
“£70-80m, if you’re talking about that, he would be available as well.
“At that sort of money, I’m quite sure.
“He is strong, he is quick, he’s a good player, good competitor.
“I think he would tick a lot of boxes for, whether it’s Arsenal, [any team].
“He is a top defender.”
Koulibaly has made 174 appearances for Napoli in all competitions, scoring eight goals.
He has won 29 caps for his country.