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Arsenal transfer news: Gunners set to launch January move for Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic

Maksimovic cost Napoli £20m when he joined from Torino in the summer of 2016, but still hasn't nailed down a regular spot

Gossip
By John Hutchinson
13th October 2017, 8:14 am
Updated: 13th October 2017, 8:42 am

Arsenal are set to make a January transfer move for Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic, according to reports.

But Arsene Wenger could have competition for the Serbian international as Serie A outfit Inter Milan are also sniffing around.

Serbian international Nikola Maksimovic is on the radar of Arsenal, who could make a move in January
Getty - Contributor
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Serbian international Nikola Maksimovic is on the radar of Arsenal, who could make a move in January

Maksimovic cost Napoli £20million when he made the move from Torino in the summer of 2016, but he spent most of the season on the bench.

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Things haven’t improved much this season, where he has started just two games in all competitions.

And now should Napoli seek to cut their losses early doors, Football Italia reports that Arsenal could well make their move.

Maksimovic started off his career in Serbia with Sloboda Uzice before making a £200,000 move to Red Star Belgrade.

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Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic has struggled since he joined from Torino for £20m
AFP
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Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic has struggled since he joined from Torino for £20m

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger may look for defensive reinforcements in January to prolong their title challenge
Reuters
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Gunners boss Arsene Wenger may look for defensive reinforcements in January to prolong their title challenge

He joined Torino in 2013 and made 66 appearances for the club before his big-money move to Napoli.

And should Wenger snap up Maksimovic, he could be the long-term plan at centre-half alongside Calum Chambers.

SunSport reported yesterday how the 22-year-old, who joined from Southampton in the summer of 2014, has committed himself to the Gunners until 2021.

And Chambers wrote of his delight at signing a new deal on Twitter.

He said: “Proud to sign a new contract with Arsenal.

“I know I’m still a young player and I want to have my best years playing for this football club.

“I want to win as many trophies with Arsenal as possible.

“I’m going to repay the fans for the faith they have shown in me.

“Can’t wait to get going again.”

Could Nikola Maksimovic form the defensive future alongside Calum Chambers, who recently committed his long-term future to the club?
Rex Features
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Could Nikola Maksimovic form the defensive future alongside Calum Chambers, who recently committed his long-term future to the club?

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