The Senegalese defender has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea but it appears a huge bid will be needed to land him
Napoli have fired a warning to any clubs interested in signing Kalidou Koulibaly by insisting that he's not for sale, although head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed his €150 million (£130m/$169m) release clause.
That isn't due to kick in until 2021, with Koulibaly having signed a new deal with Napoli back in September 2018 that will tie him to the club until 2023.
The 27-year-old has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea although it appears it will take a huge bid for the Naples club to even consider a sale.
Ancelotti told reporters: "The best centre-back in the world? Yes. And he has more room for improvement. He's worth €150 million and he is non-transferable.
"Koulibaly's contract will expire in 2023. In 2021 he will have a €150 million release clause, but Napoli do not need to sell, the president does not want to sell and the question does not arise."
The Senegal international is preparing to face Arsenal in the Europa League on Thursday, with the Gunners 2-0 ahead in the tie courtesy of goals from Aaron Ramsey and an own goal from Koulibaly.
The first leg was, however, marred by allegations of racist abuse towards the centre-back that has seen Arsenal confirm they are investigating the video that appeared on social media.
That came after more reports of racist abuse in Italian football, with Juventus duo Moise Kean and Blaise Matuidi having suffered alleged abuse by Cagliari fans.
And Ancelotti expressed his dismay at the situation, urging those supporters that are behind the accusations to stop.
He added: "I was speechless. It's unacceptable. Intolerable. Chants against Koulibaly, Kean and Matuidi, insults to [Sinisa] Mihajlovic when he returned to Florence. Enough. Enough. Enough. Enough. Enough.
"It is no longer possible to conceive football in this way. This is not the football we love."
Napoli are currently 17 points behind Juventus in the Serie A table although are on course to secure their place in the Champions League next season, with them being seven points ahead of third-placed Inter and a further five clear of AC Milan.
Realfootball_fan
0
Let him rot in Napoli. He is extremely over rated. To hell with his released clause. If for me, he is not worth more than €75m
it should be >60 and
bigbenz
0
that why real Madrid lost interest in him because they never pay so much For a player
bigbenz
0
€150m Released Clause? What a BIG SCAM..... Koulibaly can't worth more than €75m
less than that too
aliano
0
let him write history in his book and leave napoli go play for the likes of barca, real madrid etc
adesinaalamu
2
€150m Released Clause? What a BIG SCAM..... Koulibaly can't worth more than €75m
adesinaalamu
4
Let him rot in Napoli. He is extremely over rated. To hell with his released clause. If for me, he is not worth more than €75m
panbeno
0
I think he doesn't deserve 84 million..because the best defender virgil van dijk sold for just 84 million.. so his price should be anything but less than 84..
van dijk established himself as the best in Liverpool so the 84m doesn't matter. if any other club want van dijk, then they will have to pay 150m+ min
lizaeky
1
I think he doesn't deserve 84 million..because the best defender virgil van dijk sold for just 84 million.. so his price should be anything but less than 84..
Dadiknsty
2
no team will pay. he will remain and fade in your team.
durai
1
then he should be at Napoli until his contract run fown
didadinors
1
@lawrence n One of the 3 very best central defenders in the world today in my opinion ( along with Vanjdik(Liverpool), and Ramos(real Madrid)) but 150ME? Way too much! But I think this is just a bidding price, with Napoli trying to entice interested team for the closest bid to 100ME to 120ME or so
Voecenprtu
2
I don't think any reasonable club will pay that amount for a 27 years old defender