Reports in Italy state that Chelsea are making a late move for Dries Mertens as the Premier League are negotiating with Napoli in an attempt to sign the striker.

The Napoli striker is winding down his contract at the San Paolo, with only six months remaining.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Chelsea are determined to bring Mertens to England before the end of the transfer window.

Inter have reportedly been interested in signing the Belgian international in the summer.

However, Sky Sport Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio states that Chelsea would like to sign Mertens now.

With Napoli boss Rino Gattuso reverting back to the club’s usual 4-3-3 system and with Arkadiusz Milik first choice, Football Italia suggest that the Partenopei may allow Mertens to leave this month for a small fee, rather than losing him to Inter in the summer for free.

Meanwhile, Tuttosport states that the Nerazzurri are pondering on the idea of whether to make an approach for the 32-year-old.

Coach Antonio Conte is seeking another striker and with Alexis Sanchez returning to Manchester United in the summer, Inter are looking to Mertens to fill the gap left by Sanchez.

Chelsea’s Olivier Giroud is another option, but Conte would like the Frenchman in now, as opposed to waiting to next summer.

It looks unlikely that Mertens will renew with Napoli, as the clubs continue to wrangle over a contract extension.

Mertens has been at the club since 2013 and is the club’s second greatest goalscorer with 118 goals.

Photo Credit: Twitter en_sscnapoli