Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has held talks with Napoli star Dries Mertens, according to reports in Italy.
Mertens has been linked with a move to the Premier League on a number of occasions in recent seasons with Manchester City and Manchester United both also amongst the clubs rumours to be interested in his services.
Lampard is keen to bolster his attack by bringing a new forward to Stamford Bridge this summer in a deal that he hopes will bridge the gap between Champions League fighter to title challengers.
Belgian international Mertens is at the centre of the club's latest transfer talks with 90 goals in his last 226 outings in Serie A.
The former PSV Eindhoven forward boasts 90 international caps and can play as a striker, a wide midfielder and an attacking midfielder.
And according to Gianluca di Marzio, Lampard has made direct contact with Mertens regarding a free transfer to Chelsea at the end of the season.
The Belgian forward was thought to be a Chelsea target in January, but the Napoli striker decided to stay at the Serie A club for the rest of the season.
However, it remains unclear when the transfer window will open this summer with the league season potentially extending well into July and beyond, pushing the transfer window into August and September.
