Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti says he's prepared to lose Kalidou Koulibaly to Chelsea.

The Blues are in advanced talks to sign the Senegal defender for €40m.

Spalletti said, “I prefer Koulibaly to be with us always, especially as he would be captain this season.

“If he chooses to leave, we will never stop thanking him for all the help he has given us. If he wants to choose something else, we wish him all the best, because he deserves it.

“And woe betide anyone who says otherwise to him."

Spalletti was speaking in a fans Q&A on Tuesday.

He added, “We lost Insigne and Ospina for now, for the others there's still a chance, we don't know.

“We have strong young players, if we help them to take control of their potential, they can become leaders."