Striker set to turn down Chelsea to remain in Italy

Chelsea are set to be disappointed following reports that Dries Mertens will put pen to paper on a new deal with Napoli, reports The Guardian. 

The Belgian was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in January as Frank Lampard sought to bring in a new striker, which would have allowed Olivier Giroud to depart the club. 

Liverpool had also been credited with an interest in Mertens as head coach Jurgen Klopp considers his options in his quest to bring in a new attacker in the summer. 

However, both Premier League sides, as well as Serie A title contenders Inter, are all expected to miss out on Mertens, who is all but set to extend his stay with the Partenopei. 

Indeed, the 33-year-old is likely to sign a three-year contract extension with the Naples outfit, despite a lack of game time for Napoli this term. 

Mertens has made just 12 league starts for Napoli this season, but has a respectable six goals and four assists to his name. 

Serie A is currently suspended until June 14th, at the earliest, due to the Coronavirus pandemic as Mertens looks to become Napoli's out and out record goalscorer having drawn level with Marek Hamsik on 121 goals in their 1-1 draw with Barcelona in February.