Arsenal make contact to sign £55m-rated centre-back

Arsenal are understood to have made contact with Napoli regarding a possible mid-season transfer of Kalidou Koulibaly to the club.

The Senegalese has been linked with a move to the Premier League on numerous occasions in the past few years but that could soon become a reality with the defender said to be eyeing a fresh challenge.

According to Football expert Ian McGarry, the Gunners are said to have held talks with Napoli through a third-party and they are hopeful of pursuing the services of Koulibaly next month.

However, they are unlikely to be alone in the player's pursuit and the likes of Manchester United and Everton, who are managed by ex-Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti, are also in the running for the defender's signature.

Koulibaly has been previously valued in the region of £100m but he could be available for around £55m in January with Napoli preparing for a squad overhaul after a dismal first half to the season.

The Naples outfit have picked up only 21 points after 17 league games this term and they are currently 11 points adrift of the final Champions League spot held by AS Roma.