Chelsea are reportedly likely to miss out on signing Napoli forward Dries Mertens during the summer transfer window.
Aware that the Belgium international has less than six months remaining on his contract, the Blues tried, and failed, to secure the signature of the 32-year-old in January.
Despite that setback, Frank Lampard remains keen on bringing in the attacker on a free transfer at the end of the season.
However, according to Sky Sport Italia, Mertens is now likely to extend his stay at Stadio San Paolo after holding discussions with president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The report claims that the player is expected to agree to a new two-year deal, which would take his spell at the Serie A side to nine years.
Since 2013, Mertens has contributed 119 goals from 302 appearances in all competitions.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
