Should Manchester City Walk Away From Kalidou Koulibaly?

New reports have emerged that Kalidou Koulibaly’s agent has warned Manchester City about the possibility of losing the defender. This is as a result of growing interest in his services by other clubs. Manchester United have been credited with a strong interest that could see the center-back move to Old Trafford if an agreement is reached with Napoli.

Il Mattino reports that the player’s agent Fali Ramadani has informed the Italian club that Manchester United have joined the race for the 29-year-old.

Meanwhile, Calciomercato report that City will not offer more than €70m for the sought-after defender. That has led to the scheduling of a decisive meeting between club president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Koulibaly’s agent. The meeting is expected to be held next week.

Although the club president has adopted a tough stance concerning the player, a €70m offer should be enough to secure a move to the Etihad Stadium. However, a higher offer from another club could lead to City missing out on the player.

Manager Pep Guardiola and City have a history of losing players to other clubs who choose to pay more. But it will be important to finalise a deal for the Senegal international as he will play a vital role in the team.

Man City’s weakness last season was clearly in the heart of the defence. Vincent Kompany’s departure left a huge void that is yet to be filled. It’s a void Koulibaly can fill.

With the world’s and City’s attention on the Lionel Messi saga, losing the player is now a possibility. But Koulibaly has been the main target for the club even before Messi decided to hand in a transfer request at Barcelona.

Despite having already signed Nathan Ake from Bournemouth to provide cover in the position, it is clear that the Netherlands international will not be enough.

Chelsea have been aggressive in the transfer market. Arsenal have also strengthened. Manchester United remain very much in the market. All that means the competition will get tougher.

But with Napoli playing hardball, is it time to pull out of the deal altogether?

Is it time to consider alternatives?

Should City walk away from the deal and allow the experienced center-back head to Old Trafford or another top European side like Paris Saint-Germain?