Chelsea in talks for Mertens swoop

January 30, 2020
By: Daniel Orme

Chelsea are reportedly in talks to sign Napoli forward Dries Mertens as they attempt to bolster their attacking options in the final days of the transfer window.

The Belgian international is out of contract with the Naples outfit at the end of the 2019/20 campaign, with the Blues closely monitoring his situation, especially with top scorer Tammy Abraham having been ruled out through injury.

According to Sky Sports, it is thought that current Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is keen on a move in January, with a fee of at least £5million enough to secure his signature, although fellow Italian club Inter Milan are also reportedly interested in acquiring his services during the January transfer window.

Mertens, now 32, is a versatile forward capable of playing in any position across the frontline. Since signing from Dutch side PSV back in 2013, he has gone on to make 304 appearances for Napoli, scoring 118 goals in the process.

His most productive campaign was during the 2016/17 season as he netted 34 goals across all competitions. The 90-time capped Belgian international has not been as prolific this season, having only scored four league goals, albeit having found the net five times in just six UEFA Champions League appearances.

Should he remain at Napoli, he sits at odds of 4/1 with Betfred to open the scoring against Sampdoria on Monday.

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