Transfer news: Arsenal could make Kalidou Koulibaly their first summer signing

As club enters the post-Wenger era, Napoli defender could become Arsenal’s first signing.

Arsenal had a disappointing season in the Premier League and Europe this year. The London club finished 6^th, a massive 37 points behind the winners Manchester City. The team also lost in the semi-finals of the Europa League to Atletico Madrid.

As Arsene Wenger leaves the club after 22 years in charge, Arsenal look forward to their first managerial change in this century. The North-London club has various areas in their squad where they can improve. Thus, the club has started identifying players who can take Arsenal back to its former glory.

According to British media reports, Arsenal are interested in signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer. The defender appeared in 32 league games for the Italian club this summer and has been a rock at the back.

Also read: Arsenal all set to sign Jean Seri

Napoli has set a 53m price-tag for Koulibaly. Previously, the Senegalese footballer was also linked to Chelsea and Manchester United.

Koulibaly has been at Naples for the past four seasons and has been reluctant for a switch away from Italy. Hence, it will be interesting to see if the defender joins a club with no Champions League football next season.

The Napoli defender has a contract with the club until 2021, and Napoli would not let Koulibaly go cheaply.

The Premier League clubs would prefer to wrap their major transfer deals before the start of the FIFA World Cup. Last year, the clubs voted in favour of ending the transfer window before the start of the season, i.e. August 9.

Arsenal are currently in search for a manager, and according to media reports, Mikel Arteta is leading the race. The Spanish former footballer has played for Arsenal in the past, and is currently serving as assistant-manager to Pep Guardiola for Manchester City.