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Chelsea are reportedly ready to pounce on Napoli's star striker Dries Mertens if he decides against signing a new deal and becomes a free agent.
The 32-year-old frontman has been in Chelsea's crosshairs for some time and they were believed to be close to a deal during the winter transfer window although nothing materialised.
Fresh light on why the Napoli star didn't make the switch from Serie A to Stamford Bridge has been provided by the player's agent.
CalcioNapoli24 (via Sport Witness) report that Vincenzo Morabito was a guest on Radio Marte's program 'Si Gonfia La Rete' where the Italian agent explained that Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud's on-off move during the same window caused complications.
However, Morabito also stressed that the Blues' interest has not gone away, especially given the signals that Mertens is looking to move.
"Mertens? I believe he will not renew," Morabito was quoted as saying.
"Chelsea really like him. He could have also gone there in January, but the fact that he didn't go blocked our negotiation for Giroud's exit," added Morabito, who was trying to sort the Frenchman out with a move to Italy.
"As far as I know Chelsea are continuing to deal with Mertens' lawyers and it is no coincidence the Belgian has not yet renewed (his contract at Napoli)."
- TEAMtalk media
