Chelsea have failed with a bid worth €58 million (£50m) for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Antonio Conte is keen to add another centre-back to his ranks with John Terry now 35 years old and Kurt Zouma not expected to return from injury until the end of the year.
The former Italy and Juventus head coach is also known to prefer a three-man defence, which an additional centre-back would help accomodate at Stamford Bridge.
But a club-record deal to eclipse the £50 million paid for Fernando Torres in 2011 will be required to secure Koulibaly's signature.
..... - Goal