Dries Mertens appeared pretty definitive with his remarks about his Napoli future last week, but he changed his tone afterward. His contract runs out in ten days. Striking an agreement remains possible, but the parties are currently on polar terms on the sums.
The attacker commented to Belgian publication HLN Sport after the Nations League match versus Poland.
“I do not know where I will play next season. I hope to stay with the Partenopei but I have not received any offer from them.”
As per Sky, the entourage of Mertens sent Napoli a letter two weeks ago, soliciting €4M between wages and a signing bonus to re-up for one season. The front office quickly rejected via email. The Azzurri are trying to leverage his bond with the team and the city to come to terms for significantly inferior figures, Tuttomercatoweb relays. President Aurelio De Laurentiis plans to propose €1.5M with add-ons.
On top of Lazio and Roma, Royal Antwerp have shown interest in the attacker, HLN Sport adds. They are helmed by Mark Van Bommel. The two played together at PSV Eindhoven in 2012/2013.
Our Take on the Talks Between Napoli and Mertens
The gap is very wide but, considering the attachment shown by the forward, a positive resolution could still be in the cards. Technically speaking, it may be the best outcome for him. Instead, if he opted to leave, Roma would make more sense than Lazio. The cohabitation with Ciro Immobile could turn out to be challenging.