Chelsea have joined the race to sign Napoli striker Dries Mertens. The Belgian forward’s contract with the Italian side expires in the summer, but he could be on the move before the winter transfer window closes.
As per Le10 Sport, Mertens will not stay at Napoli beyond this season, with Chelsea and Inter Milan keen on signing him, and the two teams have begun discussions to make him sign on the dotted line.
The report states that several clubs in Europe are keen on the experienced forward. The 32-year-old striker has been with Napoli since 2013, managing 118 goals and 71 assists in 302 games in all competitions.
The Belgian joined Napoli from PSV, and has gone on to become one of the most important players for the Italian side.
Mertens has made 22 appearances for Napoli this season, scoring 9 goals and making 4 assists.
Dries Mertens – How will he fit in at Chelsea?
Mertens has developed into one of the deadliest forwards in Europe over the last few years, and almost fired them to a Serie A title in the 2017–18 season. The Belgian is a quick and skilful attacker who started his career out wide, before being transformed into a striker.
He has the ability to dribble past players, using his speed as well as his close control to good effect. Mertens is a versatile player who can play as a centre-forward, as a false nine, a second striker, or out wide as an inside forward.
The Belgian is a player with loads of skill and is clever enough to drift into empty pockets of space to cause trouble to the opposition defence.
Mertens could play off the left or as a second striker at Chelsea, playing in and around Tammy Abraham in the Blues lineup. He would be a great foil to Abraham and can create several chances in the final third, and would be the perfect replacement for compatriot Eden Hazard, who left the club before the 2019-20 season.
The former PSV man could also be the second option in the striker’s role behind Abraham for manager Frank Lampard, as Olivier Giroud is set to leave the club, while Michy Batshuayi has not been consistent enough.