Chelsea still keen on Napoli forward Mertens

 

Chelsea are still interested in signing Dries Mertens despite failing to land the Napoli forward in January, claims Sky Sports Italia, via The Daily Mail.

 

Mertens emerged as a top transfer target for Chelsea at the start of the year but the Belgium international ended up staying at Napoli.

 

The 32-year-old dreams of becoming Napoli's all-time leading scorer and needs just one more goal to take the outright lead.

 

However, the outbreak of COVID-19 has put his chase in serious doubt, although Italy are now building to resuming the 2019/20 campaign in June.

 

Mertens' current Napoli deal expires at the end of the season, whenever that may be, and he is on course to leave the Serie A outfit after seven years at the club.

 

Despite the fact Mertens turns 33 at the start of next month, Chelsea are interested in signing the forward on a free transfer this summer.

 

Frank Lampard is desperate to sign at least one new striker to ease the burden Tammy Abraham.

 

Chelsea still keen on Napoli forward Mertens

 

Olivier Giroud is still expected to leave Chelsea despite recently signing a 12-month extension, while Michy Batshuayi has no future at Stamford Bridge.

 

Mertens has only started 12 league matches out of his 21 appearances in Serie A this season and has returned six goals and four assists in that time.

 

In fact, Mertens has reserved his best displays in Europe with as many goals in just seven Champions League appearanes as he has in the league this term.