Kalidou Koulibaly ready for Premier League debut after long wait.

After years of speculation linking him to various top clubs, Kalidou Koulibaly is now close to joining the Premier League this summer. Chelsea is in talks with Napoli for a potential £34 million deal for the defender. Koulibaly has confirmed his move to Stamford Bridge is progressing well. If the deal goes through, he will be Thomas Tuchel's third signing of the summer.

Born to Senegalese parents in France, Koulibaly started his football journey at a young age. Despite facing challenges early in his career, he persevered and drew inspiration from French legend Lilian Thuram. His breakthrough came when he joined Genk in Belgium in 2012, where he excelled and caught the attention of top European clubs.

In 2014, Napoli signed Koulibaly for £6.5 million, and he quickly became a key player for the team. Despite interest from clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona, Napoli's president set a high price tag on Koulibaly, deterring potential buyers. Koulibaly's consistent performances earned him accolades and recognition as one of the best defenders in the world.

Over the years, Koulibaly remained a sought-after player, but Napoli's high valuation prevented any transfers. However, this summer, with Koulibaly entering the final year of his contract and showing no intention of renewal, Chelsea made a £34 million offer that Napoli accepted. Koulibaly's statistics from last season suggest he could be a valuable addition to Chelsea's defense under Thomas Tuchel.

At 31 years old, Koulibaly is still a formidable defender, offering strength, anticipation, and passing skills. While his injury history raises concerns, his potential impact on Chelsea's defense could be significant. His arrival may fill the gap left by Antonio Rudiger's departure, providing Chelsea with a strong defensive option for the upcoming season.