---
title: "Sarri pinpoints Dries Mertens as first Chelsea signing"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2018/06/20/sarri-pinpoints-dries-mertens-as-first-chelsea-signing/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ryan Darby"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2018-06-20T10:19:19Z"
modified: "2018-06-20T10:19:19Z"
---

# Sarri pinpoints Dries Mertens as first Chelsea signing

Maurizio Sarri has pinpointed Napoli and Belgium forward Dries Mertens as his first Chelsea signing, according to the [Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/06/19/maurizio-sarri-hoping-first-succeed-chelsea-manager-antonio/).

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.

![Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/977870554.jpg)

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](https://readchelsea.com/2018/06/18/sarri-discusses-chelsea-move-with-dries-mertens/) 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.