Chelsea manager Frank Lampard began talks with Napoli midfielder Dries Mertens according to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio.
Lampard has shown long-term interest in the Belgian midfielder. A possible move appears to be taking shape following the recent discussions between both Chelsea and Mertens.
Frank Lampard Makes Contact With Dries Mertens
Dries Mertens has reportedly been lined up for a Premier League move.
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Mertens is Lampard’s Long-Term Target
Chelsea looked set to make an offer for the 32-year-old midfielder during the January transfer window.
But any potential transfer did not go ahead as the Belgian international chose to run down the remaining six months on his contract at Napoli.
Lampard has shown regular interest in Mertens in recent months and the latest discussions seem promising.
The midfielder scored 12 goals and made six assists for Napoli in all competitions before the season was suspended in March.
Mertens’ Napoli Contract Situation
Despite the ongoing interest from Chelsea, Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis and Mertens reportedly held talks in March over a new contract.
Mertens and De Laurentiis took part in face-to-face discussions last month. The club seemingly offered the experienced midfielder a two-year contract extension to remain in Naples.
However, with just two months left on his contract at Napoli, and with no new developments in his contract situation since March, the Belgian may be edging closer to a move away from the Serie A club this summer.
Change at Chelsea
Belgian striker Michy Batshuyai and Brazilian winger Willian seem surplus to requirements under Lampard.
Lampard seems eager to add more youthful players to his squad in preparation for next season, but Mertens would add some much-needed experience at the Bridge as Lampard looks to rejuvenated his squad.
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