Chelsea handed transfer boost in pursuit of this Napoli standout
By Quinn Allen
The Belgian international is out of contract in the summer with the Italian side and Chelsea will be looking to add his services at Stamford Bridge…
With Chelsea keen to add a legitimate goal-scorer this summer, Napoli standout Dries Mertens is one of the latest names to appear on their wishlist. The 33-year old will be allowed to leave Italy this summer after his current deal expires, which could open the door for the Blues.
Mertens is reportedly interested in leaving Napoli after spending the last seven seasons plying his trade for the Italian giants.
He’s ready for his next challenge with just a couple years left in his career and according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, the forward is a huge admirer of Chelsea boss Frank Lampard and would love to play for him next season.
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The report also states that Mertens is tempted to turn down a new contract at the San Paolo in order to join Chelsea. Napoli is ready to pay him four million euros per year across two seasons, but the Belgian is currently weighing out his options.
Mertens has been linked with a move to Lampard’s side since January, but with him being allowed to leave for free this summer, a move to Chelsea looks to be a very real possibility now.
One of the greatest players to ever put on a Napoli uniform, Mertens has bagged 90 goals in 226 appearances for the club, showing the ability to consistently find the back of the net each and every season. This term, he’s netted 12 goals and tallied six assists in 29 appearances across all competitions for Gennaro Gattuso‘s side.
Mertens has conquered Serie A already and at 33-years old, a move to the Premier League where he can finish his career could be a good move for him and whoever ends up signing the Belgian. He’s also attracting the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle, and even a couple of MLS clubs. It’s not often you can get a striker of Mertens quality on a free transfer, so many teams are vying for his services.
The Blues lacked a lethal finisher this term, with Tammy Abraham scoring 13 Premier League goals. However, a lot of his tallies were in a span of a few matches, so more consistency is needed on the Englishman’s end.
Mertens is a born goal-scorer and would fit in nicely with Lampard’s formation, whether it’s out wide or as part of a front two with Abraham. Chelsea has just extended Olivier Giroud until next summer though, so it will be interesting to see if they still go all in to secure Mertens’ signature.
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They will face competition for his services, but with the player very keen on Lampard, Chelsea is definitely looking like the favourite to sign Dries Mertens this summer.