Chelsea have reportedly begun discussions to sign Napoli striker Dries Mertens before the transfer window slams shut on Friday. Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that the Blues are ‘serious’ about signing the Belgian and that talks have begun between the two clubs.
The reporter has stated that Lampard is desperate to bring the 32-year-old in before the deadline. Mertens’s contract expires in the summer and Chelsea would have to pay a fee to secure his services immediately. The report claims that the Blues would be willing to pay six to seven million Euros to get the Belgian striker.
Napoli were keen to sell Mertens now but keep him on loan until the end of the season. Lampard is not willing to meet these conditions because his need for a striker is urgent. Tammy Abraham has had a brilliant start to life at Chelsea, but a mix of injuries and lack of goals has halted his progress slightly.
The club is lacking a prolific understudy to provide competition for the 22-year-old and it seems that Mertens could be that. The Napoli man is yet to play in England and could be tempted by a final challenge before his career comes to an end.
Our view – Mertens is a risky move but could be the best the Blues can get
As the transfer window comes closer to its end date, the chance of getting a good backup striker will only decrease. Despite Mertens’s slight build not typically being suited to the Premier League, his goal record speaks for itself and he would provide some valuable experience in a young Chelsea side.
He has over 200 career goals and will no doubt help the Blues in their fight for Champions League qualification this season.