Napoli striker Dries Mertens in reportedly keen on moving to London this summer, with Chelsea remaining as one of his potential destinations.
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea have received a major boost in their pursuit of Dries Mertens. The Napoli star, who is set to leave Italy in the summer, wants a move to London. His current contract at Napoli expires at the end of the season, meaning he will be available on a free transfer.
Chelsea were one of the clubs linked with a move for the Belgian earlier this year. Although the Blues ended up failing to sign a single attacker, it seems the acquisition of Mertens is pretty much on the agenda for Frank Lampard this summer.
Indeed, the Chelsea manager is apparently keen on bolstering his attacking options and for good reasons. His side has appeared far too over-reliant on Tammy Abraham, who is the club’s highest goalscorer with 13 goals in 25 league matches.
Olivier Giroud has enjoyed a late resurgence under Lampard. But, the Frenchman has constantly been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Inter Milan reportedly interested. Mertens, in that regard, should serve as an ideal replacement for the ex-Arsenal striker, who, at the age of 33, is already in the final phase of his career.
Mertens, too, is on the wrong side of the 30s. However, his style of play is completely different, and the Belgian is much more proactive and agile. He can not only score goals but can also link-up with teammates and create chances in the final third, which could make him an asset for Lampard.
Moreover, the ex-PSV Eindhoven forward is quite versatile as well. He can play anywhere across the frontline, which would provide Lampard with additional tactical options in the final third. It could be very crucial for the Chelsea manager, especially with veteran star Willian linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.
And just like the Brazilian winger, Mertens will also be available as a free agent, making him a financially feasible target for a Chelsea side, which is set to undergo a massive squad overhaul this summer.
As far as Mertens’ transfer pursuit is concerned, the Blues definitely have the upper hand, ahead of their local rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as they are the only London club, who have a realistic chance of securing Champions League qualification next season.
