Chelsea transfer news: Napoli ace Faouzi Ghoulam has rejected a new contract amid interest from Antonio Conte’s Blues
Algerian international defender will have just one year left on his deal when next summer begins
CHELSEA receive huge boost in the January transfer window as target Faouzi Ghoulam turns down new contract offer at Napoli.
Antonio Conte is keen to bolster his defensive options at this stage of the season and has the Algerian international high on his shopping list.
The 25-year-old plays left back for the Serie A giants and they are desperate to tie him down on a new deal as he will have just one year remaining on his current deal if they can keep hold of him until next summer.
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Napoli offered to double his wages from £15,000 a week to £30,000 but it is not enough for the in-demand full back.
His agent told the club his client is demanding £40,000 a week, with his next contract also including a £34million buy-out clause.
Chelsea are not the only club to have shown an interest in Ghoulam, with Bayern Munich already having an approach turned down whilst Paris Saint-Germain have also been keen.
Ghoulam is set to travel to the Africa Cup of Nations but it is unsure whether his international commitments with Algeria would change Chelsea's mind regarding a January transfer move.
The defender has been a regular for Maurizio Sarri's side - featuring 21 times out of their 24 games this season - reflecting how important he is to Napoli.
If Ghoulam was to join the Blues he would have to fight his way into Conte's side who are on a staggering 13-game winning streak in the Premier League.