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Mertens keeping options open amid Chelsea and Inter interest

Dries Mertens is keeping his options open with his current Napoli contract due to expire on June 30, with Chelsea and Inter both interested in signing the Belgium international forward.

The 32-year-old was close to renewing his Napoli contract before the coronavirus-enforced shutdown brought football across Europe and much of the world to a halt. Negotiations between Mertens and his club are now at a standstill and, with many of the continent's clubs facing uncertain financial futures, out-of-contract stars like Mertens are expected to be in increasing demand.

Frank Lampard is a known admirer of Mertens and Chelsea even tried to sign him on a short-term deal in January to refresh their options in attack.