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Laurent Koscielny hails Napoli star Kalidou Kouliably as ‘one of the best’ in Europe


Kalidou Koulibaly is a target for Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny believes Kalidou Kouliably is ‘one of the best central defenders in Europe’ and says the Gunners will struggle to find a way past the Napoli star.

The 27-year-old has attracted interest from Manchester United and is believed to be keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer.

Arsenal take on Napoli at the Emirates in the first-leg of their Europa League quarter-final tonight with Koulibaly expected to start for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Koscielny is available again after missing the last two matches and the Frenchman believes Koulibaly has emerged as one of the best in his position.

Koulibaly is valued at around £90m (Picture: Getty)

‘I really like Kalidou Kouliably at the back,’ said Koscielny.

‘He’s one of the best central defenders in Europe. He is so strong physically but reads the game really well and is very comfortable on the ball.

‘I like his attitude too. He is calm, respectful and with good values. It will be great to play against him and whoever plays up front for us tonight will have a big fight on his hands.’

Arsenal are battling for a place in the top four to qualify for the Champions League but the Gunners know a win in the Europa League is another route back into Europe’s elite competition.

Unai Emery, a three-time winner in the past, says he’s told his players they have a real opportunity to get their hands on the cup.

‘I said to the players that I am excited about this competition,’ said Emery.

‘It’s not just because you can get to the Champions League through it, it’s also because it’s one title and I think we can feel the possibility to win it’.

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