Reports: Barcelona set their sights on £50 million-rated Serie A star

What's the story?

Barcelona have begun their season in impressive form and are yet to be beaten in the league. They currently sit 5 points clear at the top of the table, with 14 games played and Ernesto Valverde will be looking to ensure that their rampaging run to the La Liga title doesn't encounter any hiccups.

Unfortunately, it seems like veteran centre-back Javier Mascherano is on his way out of the club. The Argentinian's imminent departure will leave the Catalans short-staffed in defence, and according to the Sun, Valverde has identified Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly as a potential replacement.

In case you didn't know...

Kalidou Koulibaly began his professional career at Metz in Ligue 2, where he spent 2 years and made 42 appearances before moving to K.R.C Genk in 2012. The defender made 64 appearances for the Belgian club and helped them win the Belgian Super Cup.

His performances earned him a move to Napoli where he has played since 2014, making over 100 appearances and even chipping in with 5 goals. Koulibaly has gained a reputation for being an intelligent and physically imposing defender, who can bully opposition forwards and make interceptions.

The heart of the matter

Barcelona were imperious in the first few weeks of the season, but have dropped four points in their last three matches. Some defensive frailties were exposed by Celta Vigo on the weekend as they went through the Barcelona defence twice to win a point.

Koulibaly was courted extensively by Chelsea last season, but the London club was thwarted by Napoli, who did not allow Koulibaly to leave in spite of a bid worth over £50 million. The Senegalese defender's role in taking Napoli to the top of the Serie A table will in all likelihood increase the possibility of Napoli trying to hold on to him.

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Author's take

The Serie A title race is heating up, with five teams vying for the top spot. Napoli will avoid losing Koulibaly, especially after surrendering their lead at the top of the table to Inter Milan, who are yet to lose a match in the league. That being said, Barcelona will have to put together a truly remarkable sum of money to bring him to Camp Nou.