Arsenal have pinpointed Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly as the man to improve their failing defence.
But the Italian club have placed a £53 million price tag on the Senegal star’s head, which put him out of Arsenal’s reach as they count the cost of failing to qualify for the Champions League.
Antonio Conte wanted to take Koulibaly to Chelsea in 2016 and he has been identified by Arsenal as they bid to tighten up at the back after Arsene Wenger’s departure.
The Gunners have conceded 51 league goals, the most they have let in since 1983-84, and are losing two centre-backs, with captain Per Mertesacker retiring and Laurent Koscielny out for months with a serious Achilles injury.
Wenger had wanted Jonny Evans, who is available for £3million after West Bromwich Albion’s relegation.
Napoli are expected to pocket a £50million windfall from selling midfielder Jorginho to an English club, with Manchester City favourites, and can afford to put a high price on Koulibaly.
The 26-year-old is under contract with Napoli until 2021 but Napoli are well aware they face a tough battle to keep hold of him this summer.
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