Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has Tweeted that Chelsea target Dries Mertens is set to sign a new contract at Napoli.
It’s quite the turnaround. It’s looked for some time like the winger would leave, after half the squad fell out with the club hierarchy through the season.
But the coronavirus situation and Mertens’ desire to break the club’s goalscoring record seem to have improved relations a little, and now according to Italian insider Pedulla, a renewal deal is close.
You can see his actual Tweet here:
#Mertens apre al #Napoli: ora il rinnovo è molto vicino
— Alfredo Pedullà (@AlfredoPedulla) May 18, 2020
It’s a blow for Chelsea, who had been linked to the Belgian international quite regularly as his contract ran down.
The Blues are going to lose Willian and Pedro on free transfers themselves, and seemed like they were looking for a little more experience in the front 3 to match up with the young talents they have.
This one isn’t over until he actually signs, but given how cautious teams and players are likely to be in the next window, staying put in Serie A after all does make sense.
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