Reports in Italy and England claim Napoli are making Chelsea’s move for Dries Mertens very difficult after rejecting the Blues’ first offer for the Belgian.

Chelsea are still trying to convince Napoli to let Dries Mertens join Stamford Bridge before the end of the transfer window on Friday.

The Belgian striker wants to sign for the Blues but the discussions between the two clubs are moving slowly.

According to the Telegraph, Napoli insist Mertens will not be sold before Friday’s 11pm deadline but Lampard is desperate to add another attacking option.

Chelsea will make a last-ditch bid to try to sign forward Mertens after their first approach was rejected by Napoli.

Napoli told Chelsea they do not want to sell Mertens before Friday night’s deadline, despite the fact his contract expires at the end of the season.

But that will not stop Chelsea making one last offer for Mertens, as they desperately try to boost Frank Lampard’s attacking options before the window closes at 11pm on Friday.

Napoli’s stance means Chelsea know they face an uphill battle to land Mertens and if they fail it could impact Olivier Giroud’s future.