Barcelona were allegedly interested in signing Kalidou Koulibaly before the defender left Napoli for Chelsea earlier this month.
Once the Premier League giants had identified the Senegal international as a priority transfer target, negotiations proceeded relatively smoothly with the centre-back penning a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
However, speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has suggested that Barcelona were also keen on securing the services of the commanding defender.
De Laurentiis said: "Koulibaly wanted to leave, I told him: I can't sell you to Barcelona as they had no money. Then we received a proposal from Chelsea, it was impossible to say no."
Barcelona have since turned their attentions to trying to beat Chelsea in the race to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
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Meanwhile, Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is seemingly attracting interest from Ligue 1 club Nice.
The long-serving stopper has spent the last 11 years at the King Power Stadium, making a total of 479 appearances in all competitions.
However, with less than 12 months remaining on his contract, speculation persists that the 35-year-old may push for a new challenge this summer.
According to L'Equipe, Nice are admirers of the veteran and would like to secure a deal for his services before the start of September.
Furthermore, at a time when Leicester are known to need to reduce their playing numbers, Schmeichel is allegedly open to moving to the South of France.
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After spending the last five years of his career with Borussia Dortmund, defender Dan-Axel Zagadou is now a free agent in demand.
The 23-year-old made a total of 92 appearances for the German giants in all competitions, with 950 minutes coming in the Bundesliga during 2021-22.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, but it appears that the versatile player could be offered the chance to move to Italy.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Roma are also interested in Zagadou and have opened talks with the player in recent days.
Jose Mourinho is currently in the process of trying to put together a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League with Zeki Celik, Nemanja Matic and Paulo Dybala having already made the switch to Stadio Olimpico.
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Juventus are attempting to make widespread changes to their midfield this summer with Arthur, Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey all said to be available for transfer.
Paul Pogba has already been brought in as an alternative, and it appears that Massimiliano Allegri has identified another potential replacement.
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, talks are underway regarding the possible acquisition of Argentina international Leandro Paredes.
Paris Saint-Germain are open to selling the 28-year-old this summer with the player making just 10 starts and five substitute appearances in Ligue 1 during 2021-22.
PSG have already signed Vitinha and are said to be keen to bring in Renato Sanches from Lille before the end of the transfer window.
Darren Plant
