Chelsea transfer news: Antonio Conte set to swoop for Kalidou Koulibaly after passing on him in January due to his African Cup of Nations commitments

CHELSEA boss Antonio Conte is set to go back in for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer.

The Blues chief had been lining up a £50million bid for the Serie A star in January – but opted against making the move due to his African Cup of Nations commitments.

EPA

Senegal defender Koulibaly, 25, was on Conte‘s radar last summer as well, but a deal never came to fruition.

Keep up to date with ALL the Chelsea news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary.

In January, a source in Italy claimed: “It is impossible for Koulibaly to go to Chelsea in January because of the African Cup of Nations.

“He is happy at Napoli, wants to stay there and likes it in Serie A. He won’t be sold until June.

Getty Images

"The Napoli supporters would go crazy if he was sold now.

"It would take a monster offer that just won't come."

However, now with John Terry finally set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer, Koulibaly is firmly at the top of Chelsea's wish-list, according to the Star.

Reuters

Getty Images Europe

While Conte will need to fork out a 'monster bid' to sign his man - contracted to Napoli until 2021 after signing a new five-year deal last September - Koulibaly represents a superb long-term option at the heart of the Blues' back-four.

The Senegalese star has been an ever-present for club and country this season, already racking up 30 appearances in all competitions.

Napoli currently sit third in the Serie A standings, just two points behind second-placed Roma - with Juventus streets ahead at the top of the table, seven points clear.