As Napoli veteran Dries Mertens contract expires in a week’s time, his former coach Maurizio Sarri is keen on adding the Belgian forward into his ranks at Lazio. The former Chelsea and Juventus coach is fond of Mertens’ abilities, having worked together at Napoli many years ago.
Aurelio De Laurentiis and the Napoli management have so far failed to tie Mertens down to a contractual extension at the Partenopei, but it is understood that the longtime Napoli ace wants to remain at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where he has featured uninterruptedly for nine seasons
According to Il Messaggero (via LazioNews24), the 35-year-old could be lured to the Italian capital with Sarri acting as an intermediary. The ex-Napoli tactician has been in contact with Mertens in an attempt to convince him of a Lazio move.
It is understood that Mertens will meet with the Partenopei management in the coming days to establish a footing regarding his future.
Lazio have other options at hand too, with Rennes winger Benjamin Bourigeaud and Liverpool talent Takumi Minamino also in sights.