The Bianconeri are reportedly evaluating the possibility of signing former Napoli striker Dries Mertens who is currently a free agent after the expiry of his contract with the club from Naples.
The 35-year-old Belgian forward had joined Napoli in 2013 from PSV Eindhoven and went on to become the highest goalscorer in the history of the club, surpassing Diego Maradona and Marek Hamsik. Over the nine seasons that he spent with the Neapolitans, he netted 148 goals.
The club’s president Aurelio de Laurentiis said on Neapolitan radio that Mertens had declined an offer of 5 million euros gross, or around 2.4 million net per year – a sum that the club is not ready to bid over.
Mertens is currently maintaining his fitness level at the Sports Centre of Leuven in his native Belgium while waiting to find a new club. Last season, he scored 11 goals in 30 Serie A matches and unexpectedly, Juventus have turned towards him as their search for forwards continues.
They are looking for a backup striker to support last season’s blockbuster winter signing Dusan Vlahovic, following the departure of Alvaro Morata to Atletico Madrid after his loan spell came to an end. Moreover, Juve’s attacking line has been weakened by Paulo Dybala’s recent decision to join AS Roma.
According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, the Bianconeri and Massimiliano Allegri see Mertens as capable of playing in that role at the centre of the frontline. However, historically players associated with Napoli have stayed away from Juventus due to the rivalry between the two teams, and this could also affect Mertens’ possible next destination.
The report also states that the Belgian forward could easily turn down a move to Juventus because he doesn’t want to annoy the Partenopei faithful as he continues to remain a favourite among the Napoli fans.
