Chelsea Transfer News: Kalidou Koulibaly Boost Amid Nikola Maksimovic Rumours

Napoli are reportedly set to sign defender Nikola Maksimovic in a £26 million deal, which could free up Kalidou Koulibaly to join Chelsea.

According to the Evening Standard's Pietro Lazzerini, the Torino centre-back has also been a target for Chelsea but is nearing a transfer to the Partenopei.

His capture could allow Napoli to move Koulibaly on. The club have been reluctant to let the 25-year-old go and have valued him at £60 million.

Per Sky Sports' Kaveh Solhekol, the Senegalese defender was also offered a new deal by Napoli:

However, as Solhekol further noted, he'd likely earn substantially more at Chelsea, where he would also arguably have a greater chance of winning trophies, making the Blues a tempting proposition.

Chelsea stalwart John Terry turns 36 in December, while the solid if unspectacular Gary Cahill did not have his best season last year.

Koulibaly would be well-suited to the task of revamping their back line—a physical powerhouse, he's also fairly quick and is approaching his peak years.

He's not just a bruiser, though—as WhoScored.com revealed, he's also a defender who will look to move the ball out from the back.

Gianluca Di Marzio's David Amoyal is an admirer:

From his highlights last season, it's easy to see why:

Napoli may still attempt to hold onto him—with the sale of Gonzalo Higuain to Juventus, they aren't in need of the money, and they won't want to let go two of their most important players in the same window if they can help it.

However, Maksimovic's arrival would put them under far less pressure to keep him—it would not be a surprise if they did relent.