Antonio Conte could revive Koulibaly interest

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte could set his sights on signing Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly this summer following the Blues' failure to acquire his services on his arrival.

The Italian head coach had earmarked the central defender as his number one defensive target when he took over the reigns at Stamford Bridge last summer.

Koulibaly had been the subject of numerous bids from the Blues- with the club at one stage willing to break their £50m transfer record to acquire his signature.

However, the Senegal international ultimately decided to remain in Naples, and this, in turn, urged the Blues to sign the likes of Marcos Alonso and David Luiz to strengthen the backline.

According to The Star, the Premier League leaders could be back in the hunt for the 25-year-old after his agent admitted that the defender could leave due to the nature of club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

The Naples president had attempted to sue the defender last summer after his failed move to Stamford Bridge had cost him millions in merchandising revenue.

Champions League football had been Koulibaly's key focus prior to the start of the campaign, and Chelsea are now in a pole position to guarantee him participation in the elite competition.