Antonio Conte’s Inter Milan are closing in on Napoli goal machine Dries Mertens, according to Italian media outlet Calciomercato.
However, The Blues were close to signing the 32 year old Belgian striker during the January transfer window but he was reluctant to leave half way through the season.
Mertens is available on a free transfer at the end of the season and Chelsea are reportedly still in the race for the 32 year old striker.
Inter Milan now lead Chelsea in the race for Mertens after offering the 22 year old striker an £85,000-a-week contract.
Mertens has remained in fine form despite a difficult campaign in Naples, and is the club’s joint topscorer with 12 goals.