Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly set to renew his contract at the club to bring an end to the speculation surrounding his future, according to reports in Italy (viaAfrican Football).
The Senegal international, 25, was the subject of strong interest from Chelsea this summer, who extended that interest into a £38m bid for the towering centre back. The bid, however, was swiftly rejected by Napoli and the Serie A giants reaffirmed their stance by insisting he would be staying.
And it is understood Koulibaly, who currently has three years remaining on his contract, will renew his deal with the Italian club, which will reportedly see his annual salary rise from€800,000 to €1.9m.
It is a remarkable turnaround for the defender after he was engaged in a public spat with Napoli ownerAurelio De Laurentiis for much of summer, with the 25-year-old publicly stating his desire to leave Naples.
De Laurentiis said earlier this summer: "The player has three more years left on his contract and will not move from here, and will pay a hefty fine. I'm not angry so much with him, but I'm amazed because I think the guy is above average."
And after weeks of revealing his desire to leave,Koulibaly revealed he would be more than happy to remainat the Serie A club.
"I decided to stay because I feel good in this team. I know that when I decide to leave, I will do it without problems," the Senegal international said. "A 30 thousand fine for my statements? They were written many things, but it is not true. I have a good relationship with the management of the Napoli."