Napoli president and owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed that Dries Mertens will not be able to join another Serie A club in the upcoming January transfer window due to a clause in his current contract.
“He has a contract that means he can go anywhere except for another club within Italy. Is that clear enough for you?” he told the gathered reporters at AC Milan’s 120th anniversary celebrations last night.
The 32-year-old Belgian has drawn links to Inter in recent weeks and months due to his expiring contract status but De Laurentiis’ comments would appear to mean that Inter will be forced to wait until he becomes a free agent come the end of the season.
The Belgian international has made 21 appearances across all competitions this season. In 1411 minutes on the field, the former PSV Eindhoven attacker has scored nine goals and has provided four assists for his Partenopei teammates.
