Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has reportedly been in contact with Napoli forward Dries Mertens to discuss a potential move to Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
Mertens will see his current deal with Napoli expire at the end of June, and it is widely thought that the Belgium international will seek pastures new this summer.
Manchester United, Roma, Arsenal and Monaco are among those to be linked with the attacker, but Chelsea have allegedly recently stepped up their interest.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Blues boss Lampard has now made 'direct contact' with Mertens in the hope of winning the race for the Belgian's signature ahead of next season.
The 32-year-old has scored 12 times and registered six assists in 29 appearances for his Italian club this term.
In all, the forward has managed 121 goals in 311 outings for Gil Azzurri, who are currently sixth in Serie A with football at a standstill.
Matt Law
