Chelsea are awaiting a response from Napoli in their bid to sign Dries Mertens.
With two days remaining of the January transfer window, the Blues- who have been linked with moves for Edinson Cavani and Krzysztof Piatek this month - have now turned their attentions to the 32-year-old.
Interest in the Belgium international was first reported by Di Marzio, who said Chelsea are "serious" about signing the forward and are in negotiations with Napoli.
Mertens has not been offered a new deal by Napoli and is available on a free transfer once his contract expires at the end of the season.
He has been able to sign a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of Italy from the beginning of the month, but there's a chance he will be on the move before Friday's deadline.
Football.london understands that Chelsea have made contact with Napoli in regards to signing Mertens before the transfer window closes but there's been no firm indication yet as to what decision the Serie A side will make. He would likely cost about £8million.
The west Londoners are only likely to offer Mertens a short-term contract because he turns 33 in May. They also have a policy of never offering players over 30 more than 12 month extentions.
Furthermore, Mertens is relaxed over the situation and will not be unhappy if the move does not materialise as will not be short of suitors in the summer.
Inter Milan, managed by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, have been linked with a move for him at the end of the campaign, although there is still a chance that Olivier Giroud could end up at San Siro before this window shuts.
The 33-year-old has wanted out of Chelsea for some time and Tottenham Hotspur have also displayed an interest in taking the 33-year-old who is out of contract in June but desperate to be part of the France squad for the European Championship.
Signing Mertens could be what the Blues and Frank Lampard need to make the final push for a top four spot in the Premier League.
The forward has been a huge success in front of goal since moving to Napoli from PSV Eindhoven, with 118 goals in 304 games across all competitions.
This season he has nine in 22 across all competitions.
