Chelsea have reportedly made an enquiry for Napoli striker Dries Mertens as Frank Lampard scours the market for a striker before the transfer deadline on Friday.
The Belgium international was expected to leave the Serie A side in the summer, but according to the Mail, Stamford Bridge chiefs are exploring whether a deal can be done now.
The Blues want to add more firepower up front amid interest from Tottenham in Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham currently injured.
Milan forward Krzysztof Piatek and PSG’s Edinson Cavani have also been linked with a switch to the Premier League, but both clubs are demanding too much for their forwards.
Giroud has seen a move to Inter break down and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is keen to snap him up for £10m or less.
Mertens – out of contract in the summer – has been a star performer for Napoli for several years, however, a new challenge in the Premier League could prove attractive for the dynamic forward.
Lampard has made no secret of his desire for proven goalscorers in his current squad – and Mertens represents an attractive proposition for the English boss as he can play anywhere across the front three.
Chelsea are currently pushing for a place in next year’s Champions League and are in a strong position in fourth, six points ahead of Manchester United.
However, Lampard will be wary that they may be leapfrogged by their rivals, with Manchester United’s signing of Bruno Fernandes imminent and Tottenham completing deals for two players already this window.
