Former Chelsea target Mertens extends Napoli stay

 

Dries Mertens has put pen to paper on a new deal with Napoli, the Serie A side has announced. 

 

The Belgian was heavily linked with a move away from the Italian powerhouse in January as Chelsea sought to bring in a new striker. 

 

However, the Blues missed out on the experienced forward and, in the hours leading up to the Coppa Italia final, Mertens has signed a new contract for the Serie A giants. 

 

"SSC Napoli is pleased to announce the contract renewal of Dries Mertens," Napoli confirmed on their official website.  

 

"The striker has signed an agreement in blue for two more seasons with an option for the third. 

 

"Dries Mertens was bought by Napoli in the summer of 2013 and is in his seventh season with the blue shirt. 

 

"With the goal scored at Inter in the Italian Cup semifinal, Mertens rose to 122 goals and overtook Marek Hamsik becoming the leader in the special classification of the best all-time scorers with the Napoli shirt." 

 

 

Mertens, 33, will hope to add to his 122 Napoli goals when they face Juventus in tonight's Coppa Italia final.