Maurizio Sarri has pinpointed Napoli and Belgium forward Dries Mertens as his first Chelsea signing, according to the Telegraph.
Mertens is a player that current head coach Antonio Conte has identified as a transfer target in previous summer transfer windows, but Chelsea did not pursue the Napoli star.
Chelsea face competition from Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and the Chinese Super League for the player.
The 31-year-old fell by the wayside following Chelsea’s transfer policy of signing players over the age of 30.
The Belgian international was a key player for Sarri at Napoli and it was the incoming Chelsea boss who revolutionised the player as a central striker. Several reports have linked the forward, along with several Napoli players with a move to Stamford Bridge with Sarri expected to take over in the coming days.
Mertens did have a £25 million release clause in his Napoli contract, but that expired last week, meaning Chelsea may have to pay more if they want to secure his services this summer.
