Royal Antwerp Hot on the Trail of Lazio Target Mertens | OneFootball

Lazio are seriously pushing to convince Dries Mertens of a move to the Italian capital but now they’ll have to fight off competition from Royal Antwerp.

The 35-year-old Belgian forward still has not agreed a contract renewal with Napoli and he’s currently set to leave the club at the end of this month. Coach Maurizio Sarri is desperate to be reunited with Mertens in Rome and the pair have been in constant contact.

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As reported by Il Roma (via LazioNews24), Royal Antwerp coach Mark Van Bommel also wants to be reunited with Mertens and the Belgian club are ready to offer the 35-year-old a two-year contract with an attractive salary.

Whilst Mertens is interested in a move to Lazio, the idea of playing second fiddle behind Ciro Immobile isn’t the most convincing. Now he’s considering making a return to his native Belgium, 15 years after his departure.

There is still a chance that the Belgian forward could renew his contract with Napoli, but his recent statements to the media confirmed that no talks had taken place yet, meaning things would have to be carried out quickly if the Partenopei want to secure their man before his deal expires.

Mertens scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 30 Serie A appearances this season under Luciano Spalletti.