Napoli have rejected Chelsea’s first approach to sign their striker Dries Mertens, according to Sky Italia’s Transfer Expert Gianluca Di Marzio.
The reported approach involved a fee of around 6-7 million euros, and it is unclear whether Chelsea will go back in with another offer, but I’d say that is highly likely.
Di Marzio also states that Napoli suggested that Chelsea buy Mertens now, but loan him back to them until his contract ends in the summer, which is rather odd. Naturally, this was rejected by Chelsea.
Whether the two can conclude a negotiation that suits everyone is yet to be seen, it is also unclear whether Mertens himself even wants the move, with some suggestions that he would like to stay at Napoli and get their all time top goalscorer record.
What is clear is that Chelsea’s hunt for a striker is getting dangerously close to tomorrow’s deadline, so they better move.
