Prior to the world coming to a stop to battle Covid-19, Dries Mertens was pictured having dinner with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
It was reported at the time that during the meal, the pair had come to an agreement over an extension, which was vital given Mertens’ contract is due to expire at the end of June.
But no confirmation came, and that led to claims an exit could be on the cards. Chelsea have probably been the Premier League club linked most, with rumours going back to the January transfer window, and they get a mention again today.
However, neither has been accepted at this stage, with the Blues and Inter still waiting for an answer. AreaNapoli take this as a positive sign, a ‘gesture of love’ from Mertens towards Napoli and the city.
Mertens is ‘in love’ with Naples, and that’s a claim which doesn’t seem hollow. He clearly enjoys his life in the Italian city, living with a sweeping view of the bay.
To make him give all of that up, Chelsea and other interested clubs will need to work hard.
