NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 15: Lazio linked Dries Mertens of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 15, 2022 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Marseille Emerge as Contenders for Lazio Linked Mertens

NAPLES, ITALY - MAY 15: Lazio linked Dries Mertens of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Genoa CFC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 15, 2022 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Dries Mertens is officially a free agent after his contract expired with Napoli and he’s being closely followed by both Lazio and Olympique Marseille.

The 35-year-old Belgian forward had been interested in renewing his contract with the Partenopei but Aurelio De Laurentiis’ desire to lower the wage bill pushed him out the door. It’s hard to imagine him being offered a new deal now, meaning it’s time for him to find a new home.

As reported by Le10sport, Olympique Marseille are interested in making a move for Mertens this summer and his friend Arkadiusz Milik is working to convince him of the move.

Lazio are keeping a close eye on the situation, keen to pick him up but forced to focus on other targets for the time being, like a new goalkeeper and defender. Talks are currently ongoing for Alessio Romagnoli and Guglielmo Vicario.

Last season, the 35-year-old Mertens scored 13 goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Tags Biancocelesti Dries Mertens France Italy Lazio Ligue 1 Marseille Mertens Olympique de Marseille Olympique Marseille Rome Serie A