Manchester City finally end their pursuit of Koulibaly

The imminent arrival of Ruben Dias at Manchester City means the Citizens have called off their pursuit of Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly.

Manchester City have reportedly informed Napoli they are no longer interested in Kalidou Koulibaly. They instead turned their efforts to splash €53m plus Nicolas Otamendi on Ruben Dias.

The Senegal international had been Pep Guardiola’s number one target in defence for several years, but this summer was the closest they came to a deal.

Despite Napoli declaring they were open letting Koulibaly leave, Manchester City never reached the asking price of at least €75-80m.

Napoli owner also claimed the Premier League were unwilling to talk to him directly, slowing down the pace of negotiations as a whole.

Instead, the Premier League side finalised the transfer today for Ruben Dias of Benfica, paying €53m cash plus defender Otamendi.

Sky Sport Italia and Guardian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claim Manchester City then informed Napoli that their pursuit of Koulibaly was over.

Manchester City are *not* going to sign also another centre-back after Rubén Dias [signed, confirmed, official]. Napoli and Sevilla have been told by #MCFC board that Koulibaly and Koundé deals are off. Giménez was not a serious option – Atléti always asked €120m. 🔵 #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 28, 2020

Sevilla’s Jules Kounde who was also lined up as an alternative for Koulibaly was crossed off City’s wish-list.

For the Napoli man, PSG are the only other genuine candidates, but they too cannot spend too much on the transfer market this summer.

All events now point to the reality that Koulibaly would remain at Napoli for the ongoing season at least. Recent comments from the Napoli sporting director say so too.