Arsenal 'contact Napoli over Kalidou Koulibaly deal'

Arsenal have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Throughout the first half of the campaign, the Gunners have struggled in defence, which has led to the club dropping into the bottom half of the Premier League standings.

While newly-appointed boss Mikel Arteta has plenty of options at his disposal, there remains a desire to strengthen in that area of the pitch during 2020.

With Koulibaly's value at Napoli being lowered in recent months, it appears that the North London outfit are contemplating a bid for the Senegal international.

On Reach's Transfer Window Podcast, host Ian McGarry said: "I've heard, although can't confirm, that Arsenal have also made contact with Napoli through a third-party regarding Koulibaly. This comes on the back of their desire under Mikel Arteta to strengthen their defence.

"And also that they've got some interest from Sead Kolasinac. So you could see the possibility of Kolasinac being offered to Napoli in part-exchange plus cash, although [Aurelio] Di Laurentiis prefers cash for Koulibaly because he wants to strengthen his team up the Serie A table."

Manchester United are also said to be monitoring the situation ahead of the January window.