Inter coach Antonio Conte has spoken to Chelsea target Dries Mertens to attempt to convince him to join the club, according to a report from today’s paper edition of the Rome based newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
The report details how the Nerazzurri are keen to sign the 33-year-old Belgian striker, whose contract expires with Napoli at the end of this season. The Partenopei are keen to try and keep the player, who has been with the club since 2013. Mertens has already declined offers from Roma and Chinese sides, preferring to join a club that is likely to win a trophy.
Inter have offered Mertens a two-year contract worth €5 million net per season, the report continues, with an option for a third year and a €2 million signing bonus. Chelsea coach Frank Lampard has already contacted the 33-year-old to discuss the project, and now Conte has taken similar steps.
Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso is trying to convince Mertens to stay in Napoli, the report highlights, and president Aurelio De Laurentiis is hoping for a new meeting to discuss a contract renewal, potentially offering more to try and convince him to stay.
