Arsenal are set to rival Chelsea’s interest in signing SSC Napoli’s star defender, Kalidou Koulibaly with a summer move looking more and more likely. The 26-year-old is a starting centre-back under Maurizio Sarri and has been a key figure this season with 4 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.
The Senegalese international started his professional career with French outfit, Metz where he made his senior debut on20 August 2010 under Dominique Bijotat. He further developed his game with KRC Genk before making the illustrious move to Stadio San Paolo.
Sarri’s excruciating attention to detail has helped Koulibaly’s awareness and focus improve to remarkable heights, not to mention the aggression and game-reading intelligence he already brings to the table. His evolution has undoubtedly contributed to Napoli’s impressive season they are currently enjoying at the top of the Serie A.
Koulibaly now is jack of all defensive trades and is capable of emulating his hero and establish himself as one of the best defenders in European football. Koulibaly stands at a mountainous 6 feet 5 inches tall and is a robust, physically imposing central defender. He has won 76% of his tackles in Italian top-flight football and has completed 91% of his passes.
His distribution is also one of his redeeming qualities which has been a driving factor in launching the early counters from the backline.
Arsenal’s defence have been one of their most worrying concerns this season with Wenger struggling to make do with the back-three formation. Laurent Koscielny is enduring a horrific season and looks completely out of his element in recent times.
Shkodran Mustafi is going through a similar period of defensive struggles very evident in the Carabo Cup final loss to Manchester City last week. Calum Chambers and Rob Holding have been provided with an opportunity to prove themselves over the season but has looked vulnerable at times. The young duo is a huge part of the club’s future, but without consistency, they will have a tough time breaking into the starting XI.
Per Mertesacker’s retirement after this season will leave a gap in the club ranks in terms of leadership and experience. The German has not featured a lot this season but has always been a prominent figure off the pitch.
Koulibaly’s arrival will fill in the void not only in terms of talent but top pedigree experience as well. Wenger needs a leader at the backline who will push the team for the entirety of the 90 minutes.
