Koulibaly's departure could create space for Kim Min-jae at Napoli

Fenerbahce's Kim Min-jae in action during a friendly against Hull City on July 10. [FENERBAHCE]

The possibility of Kim Min-jae moving from Fenerbahce to Serie A side Napoli became considerably more likely on Wednesday following reports that the Italian club is set to lose center back Kalidou Koulibaly to Premier League club Chelsea.

British media reported Wednesday that Chelsea are in talks with Napoli to acquire Koulibaly, seen as a crucial addition to shore up the London club's defense ahead of the 2022-23 season. Things may have moved even further, with Fabrizio Romano, the Italian journalist who is seen as Europe's top authority on transfer news, reporting early Thursday that the paperwork has been signed by both clubs and is set to be signed by Koulibaly later that day.

The departure of Koulibaly leaves a large hole in the middle of the Napoli defense. The Italian club has been linked to Korean center back Kim for months, and Thursday's news suggests the club is about to get a lot more serious in that pursuit.

Football Italia reported Wednesday that they are already in talks with Turkish club Fenerbahce, reporting that Kim's value has increased from 3 million euros ($3 million) in 2021 to 15 to 20 million euros this year. ESPN and The Sun also report that Kim is Napoli's first choice, with other options including Manchester United's Eric Bailly and Lazio's Francesco Acerbi.

Kim has been a trade rumor favorite for years and this summer is no exception, but there had been concerns that a recent ankle injury might take him off the market. He has returned to form, however, and has been active in Fenerbahce friendlies over the last week.

Kim, nicknamed "The Monster" for his unflappable defense, joined Fenerbahce in August last year from Beijing Guoan, where he had played for two years. At the time, he had been linked to a number of top European clubs including FC Porto, Juventus and Tottenham.

Kim is a highly rated defender who offers a formidable presence in the backline that could see him hold his own against more physical players anywhere in the world. Kim's international performance has gained him a lot of attention, especially during the 2017 Asian qualifier for the 2018 Russia World Cup.

During this year's January transfer window, Fenerbahce reportedly turned down an offer from Italian club Napoli, and Everton was also rumored to have put in a bid.

In March, scouts from Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea, Serie A club Juventus and Primeira Liga club FC Porto were all reported to be attending Fenerbahce games to watch Kim play.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]