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Football

29th Mar 2019

Real Madrid prepare for Koulibaly should Raphael Varane leave

Simon Lloyd

Koulibaly could be Bernabeu-bound this summer

Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly is the latest name to be linked with a big money move to Real Madrid this summer.

With Zinedine Zidane back at the helm, the dethroned European champions are expected to invest heavily as they attempt to rebuild their squad in time for next season.

Koulibaly, who has established himself as one of the finest central defenders in world football while at Napoli, is said to have been on Madrid’s radar for a while. According to AS, they could make a move for the Senegal international – but only if Raphael Varane decides to depart the Bernabeu.

Although Zidane is a big admirer of Varane, reports have recently claimed the defender is open to a move away from the club at the end of the season. If he does, Koulibaly will be Real’s main target to replace him.

Though Napoli manager Carlo Ancelotti recently insisted the Italian club would not be pressured into selling the 27-year-old, it’s likely there will be plenty of interest in Koulibaly over the summer – not just from Real.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, recently confirmed as Manchester United’s manager on a permanent basis, is said to have identified him as one of three key signings he’s hoping to make in the summer. Napoli’s Serie A rivals Juventus are also thought to be considering a big money move, though this may be unlikely given the reaction to Gonzalo Higuain’s move from Naples to Turin three years ago.