New Marseille coach Igor Tudor is already eyeing his first transfer back from Italy. The former Hellas Verona tactician parted ways with his ex-club by mutual consent, having helped the Venetians to a ninth placed finished last season.
The Croat has already begun shortlisting players to onboard ahead of the 2022/23 Ligue 1 campaign, and a certain Napoli icon has emerged in his crosshairs.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Tudor has been probing the Italian market for free agents to bring to the south of France and Belgian forward Dries Mertens is one of his favorite names. Mertens only just became a free agent since failing to be notched down to an extension deal by the Partenopei.
Mercato: Tudor en approche, l'OM regarde vers l'Italie https://t.co/EuOHUd6a9T
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Marseille, who are UEFA Champions League-bound next season, want to add to their firepower in order to upset the odds, and Tudor’s presence shapes up the Italian market well for the French giants to make headway.
Apart from Mertens, Marseille also have close tabs on Inter longstay Matias Vecino, who leaves the Nerazzurri as a free agent after five years.
Mertens is one of the two big names to leave Napoli, along with club legend Lorenzo Insigne. However, the Partenopei also risk losing main stopper Kalidou Koulibaly and prodigal striker Victor Osimhen soon enough.