Newly appointed Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is already facing his first big transfer dilemma, as Kalidou Koulibaly is unwilling to leave the club this summer.
The former Napoli center-back was expected to be a key figure after joining last summer as a potential replacement for Antonio Rudiger.
However, Koulibaly struggled to adapt to the Premier League and his performance declined further after being sent off in only his third appearance against Leeds United.
With Thiago Silva likely to stay at Chelsea and the presence of Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile as long-term investments, Koulibaly’s opportunities in the first team are expected to be limited next season.
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According to The Evening Standard, the Blues is interested in offloading Koulibaly along with other senior players. However, this will not be easy for the club.
The major hurdles include the Senegalese defender’s significant weekly wages of £200,000 and his desire to remain at Chelsea and prove himself worthy of a place in the team.
Pochettino is facing tough decisions regarding the center-backs he wants to retain for the upcoming season.
Levi Colwill, who spent a loan spell at Brighton, is expected to return to Chelsea for pre-season and Pochettino has expressed his intention to include him in his plans.
Fofana and Badiashile are unlikely to be sold as they have recently signed long-term contracts with he club, leaving Trevoh Chalobah with an uncertain future.
The future of Thiago Silva, who will turn 39 in September, has also been uncertain, with doubts surrounding his presence at Stamford Bridge next season.
