Italian outlet Il Mattino – as per TMW – claim Dries Mertens could now sign a new contract at Napoli with the Belgian willing to accept a pay cut – despite links with Leeds United, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
Napoli’s all-time record goalscorer is out of contract on June 30 – a little over a week until that deal expires. The 35-year-old is reportedly a target for the Premier League trio, having found the back of the net 13 times during 2021-22.
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Just three appearances shy of an enormous 400 games in Napoli colours, the 105-time Belgium international has often expressed his love for the Serie A side. But the attacker was likely to depart given his contract situation.
But now, talks have been progressing – not because Aurelio De Laurentiis has upped his offer, but because Mertens is willing to accept a pay cut of £1.7million a year. That is a huge £33,000 a week.
Mertens could sign new contract despite Leeds and Newcastle links
It seems to be a case where money is not involved, hence any offer from Leeds, Newcastle or Palace falling by the wayside. Mertens wants to stay at Napoli, so much so, he is willing to forego a huge amount of cash.
He is adored by the fans of the Azzurri club. A club legend, he is even above Diego Maradona in the all-time goalscoring rankings at Napoli. A player Maradona once said has the “enthusiasm of a young lad.”
It now looks likely that Mertens will remain in Serie A with Napoli. Whether Leeds, Newcastle or Palace ever did more than show any initial interest is unlikely, but they are likely to miss out on the experienced Belgian.
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