Agent of 28 goal Belgian striker confirms Chelsea and Barcelona interest

The agent of Dries Mertens has confirmed that the Belgian star will be remaining in Italy this season despite links with a move to Chelsea and Barcelona over the summer.

Speaking to Sport/Voetbalmagazine (quotes via Goal.com Netherlands), Stijn Francis confirmed that there was ‘concrete interest’ from the Blues in the 30 year old but the player has opted to stay at Napoli:

“He is good at Naples and believes he can win the scudetto. I’m convinced that the player is smart enough to make his own choices and I know you do not care when you push players to change clubs.”

Francis also revealed that Mertens had a serious offer to join Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian but the forward decided against the move after taking a day to consider his options:

“Dries thought about the opportunity for 24 hours and realised that it was not for him.”

The Belgian international scored 28 goals in Serie A last season after being converted from a left winger into a striker. He has also started this season in good form with two goals in four appearances so far.

Chelsea are continuing to pursue a deal for a forward before the close of the transfer window tonight but a move for Swansea’s Fernando Llorente is in doubt after rivals Tottenham had a bid accepted for the Spaniard.