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Chelsea 'step up interest in Dries Mertens'

Chelsea 'step up interest in Dries Mertens'
© Reuters
Chelsea are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in Napoli forward Dries Mertens, who they failed to sign during the January transfer window.

Chelsea reportedly remain interested in securing a deal for Napoli forward Dries Mertens.

During the January transfer window, the Blues failed to secure an agreement for the Belgium international, whose contract is due to expire on June 30.

However, it is suggested that Chelsea are ready to make a fresh approach for the 32-year-old, who has netted 121 goals from 309 appearances for Napoli in all competitions.

Belgian football expert Kristof Terreur told The Transfer Window Podcast: "It was an interesting phone call from Chelsea. I think they wanted him because he could play in four positions.

"He could play as a striker, as a false nine, he can play on the left, he can play on the right, he can play as a No 10. He's quite versatile and him and his missus have always liked London so if there was a chance to move to London, they wouldn't reject that.

"But everything had to be perfect and everyone had to agree to it and in this case there wasn't even any advanced negotiations so he didn't push for it in the end.

"Let's say €8m or €9m Chelsea wanted to spend on him - he can bag that now himself as a signing-on fee, or what Napoli still believe is that they can convince him to sign a new deal."

Mertens has contributed 12 goals and five assists from 28 outings in Serie A and the Champions League this season.

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