According to the BBC, journalist Kristoff Terreur has revealed that Dries Mertens was ready to make the move to Chelsea before changing his mind.
The Blues were keen to sign the Belgian in January. The deal, however, failed to materialize in spite of a bid worth £8.7million being made.
Mertens was in the last year of his contract and looked set to leave Napoli on a free in the summer. Chelsea was especially keen, with Frank Lampard even holding talks with the 33-year-old.
According to the report, Mertens is now expected to stay and sign a three-year extension at Napoli. The Belgian made history by becoming the club’s record goalscorer in the Coppa Italia victory over Inter Milan.
His strike took him to 122 goals for Napoli, one clear of former teammate Marek Hamsik. An impressive feat given that Diego Maradona is also on the list. (h/t Metro)
The Belgium international decided to stay in Italy because he would go to the Premier League and have to rebuild his reputation.
Mertens is the star in Napoli’s side and was wary of going to Chelsea where he would have had to play a lesser role.
It is understandable that he does not want to give up the reputation he has gained at the Italian giants. Money is also not a factor as the Belgian earns well. (h/t Metro)
The versatile forward would have brought a wealth of experience and flexibility to the Chelsea frontline. Despite his age, he remains a potent force and would have added considerably to our squad.
However, it is not to be. Leaving behind a legacy at a club takes effort and bravery. Mertens has worked hard to do that and we cannot begrudge him for deciding to stay.
Chelsea appear to have taken it on the chin and moved on. With the likes of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech already in the bag, an exciting summer beckons at Stamford Bridge.
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