Mertens officially extends contract with Napoli, ends Chelsea speculation once and for all

After rejecting a move to Chelsea last January as well as for the forthcoming summer despite Frank Lampard’s best enticement efforts, it was always likely that Dries Mertens would extend his stay with Napoli sooner rather than later.

And while the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some delay towards that eventuality, the 33-year-old has finally put his pen on the dotted line and signed a two-year extension with the option for an additional year.

Mertens was actually quite convinced to join Super Frank’s Chelsea project at one point apparently, but finally chose to stay with the club that made him who he is today. Not that anyone can blame him really. Seven years and a club-record 122 goals later, most people would rather be an adored and adulated legend at “their home” than just another player somewhere else (especially where he would be far from a guaranteed starter).

In the end, it probably worked out for the best for all involved. Mertens will now get to put the finishing touches on his Napoli legacy while Chelsea are close to signing the younger, better-er, and prolific-er Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.

So, congrats, Dries! We wish you good fortune in the wars seasons to come.