Napoli are looking to increase or remove striker Dries Mertens’s release clause, according to Sky Sport Italia (via Football-Italia.net)
The Belgian international confirmed back in June that Chelsea were interested in him before he signed a new contract with the Partenopei:
“Discussions on my contract were always going to happen, there was no real pressure. It is possible that Barca were interested, but I have not had any direct contact. After a season like that, I am super happy at my club. I didn’t want to leave. There was also interest from Chelsea and other clubs, but, in my head, there was never any intention to change clubs.”
The new three year deal he signed had a very low buyout clause set at just €28m (£25m), which would come into effect at the end of the season. The Blues may have considered reviving their interest in the 30 year old for such a price, especially considering Alvaro Morata’s recent struggles in front of goal.
Mertens has scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions this season, and has fired Napoli to the top of the Serie A table. The Italian club are however determined to increase/remove the clause in his contract to prevent his departure.
Sky Sport Italia report that the Belgian forward may agree to the request but only if his current wages are increased to €6m a season (£100,000 a week).
