Dries Mertens will be a free agent in the summer if he decides against renewing his contract at Napoli.
The Naples club have been trying to tie down the Belgium international to a new deal, while clubs in Italy and England are also looking at him.
Four days ago, we carried a report from Gazzetta Dello Sport, who explained Chelsea were interested in the 32-year-old in the winter market. It was also explained the Blues are still interested in the striker.
Italian agent Vincenzo Morabito has appeared as a guest on Radio Marte’s program ‘Si Gonfia La Rete’ and provided an update on Chelsea interest in Mertens.
“Mertens? I believe he will not renew. Chelsea really like him. He could have also gone there in January, but the fact that he didn’t go blocked our negotiation for Giroud’s exit,” Morabito was quoted as saying by CalcioNapoli24.
“As far as I know Chelsea are continuing to deal with Mertens’ lawyers and it is no coincidence the Belgian has not yet renewed [his contract at Napoli].”
Morabito was also involved in helping Giroud find a club in the Serie A earlier this year. Speaking to Calciomercato.it on April 6th, the intermediary explained the possibility of the France international renewing with Frank Lampard’s side cannot be ruled out.
Giroud’s current deal expires in the summer. It remains to be seen if Chelsea will still push for Mertens, if the former Arsenal man ends up extending his stay at Stamford Bridge.
