Harry Diamond
Frank Lampard has reportedly made ‘direct contact’ with Napoli forward Dries Mertens over a potential switch to Chelsea this summer.
Lampard is keen to strengthen his attacking options at Stamford Bridge after being frustrated in his efforts to land a leading forward during the winter window, with a host of attacking players having been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent weeks.
One name that has persistently been rumoured to be interesting the west London side is Napoli’s Mertens, the Belgian international out-of-contract at the San Paulo Stadium this summer and available on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old is yet to make a decision on his future after a prolific spell in Italian football, Mertens levelling Marek Hamsik’s record as Napoli’s all-time record goalscorer earlier this season.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Lampard has now made ‘direct contact’ with the experienced forward after seeing an initial approach failed during the January transfer window.
The Blues are likely to face serious competition for his signature, however, with Inter Milan and Lazio also reportedly monitoring a player who has scored 121 goals in all competitions since joining Napoli from PSV Eindhoven seven years ago.
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