Inter wants Mertens, sees him as Lukaku’s partner

Inter have reportedly been considering transferring Napoli striker Dries Mertens to San Siro – a move that would make him a partner with his compatriot, Romelu Lukaku, at the club as well.

The Belgian daily, Het Nieuwesblad, writes that former Chelsea coach at Inter, Antonio Conte, has been a fan of Dries Mertens for a long time and he had been trying to get him even while in London.

The 32-year-old’s contract with Napoli expires at the end of the summer this summer, and the Italian club have hinted they will not offer him a new contract to extend his career at San Paolo.

The Belgian newspaper claims Mertens wants to pursue a career in Italy. If Napoli does not reach an agreement on a contract renewal, then the player will be free to negotiate a contract with any club as a free transfer since January.

Het Nieuwsblad adds that Conte is ready to ask Inter for the transfer and claims that Inter coach sees Mertens as a replacement for Lautaro Martinez, who is being sought by Barcelona.

Conte believes Mertens and Lukaku would be impressive partners in the attack for the zikaltrit. Lukaku has scored ten goals in 14 games this season, while Mertens has only four goals in his 13 games.

Inter are currently at the top of the Serie A table, with one point more than Juventus, with Napoli seventh in the league after a slow start to the season.