Mertens Is Considering Returning To Belgium And Royal Antwerp Is Ready To Accommodate Him

Lazio is reportedly keen to persuade Dries Mertens to move to the Italian capital, but now faces an uphill battle with Belgian club Royal Antwerp, who also wants the services of the Napoli striker.

Belgian striker Dries Mertens, 35, has yet to agree on a new contract with Napoli and is currently due to leave the club at the end of the month. Head coach Maurizio Sarri wants to work with the players again in Rome and the two remain in touch.

According to il Roma, Real Antwerp manager Mark van Bommel is also keen to work with Mertens again, with the Belgian club ready to offer the 35-year-old a two-year deal with an attractive salary.

Although Mertens is interested in joining the Biancoceleste, he is unsure of his role as a substitute for Ciro Immobile, which is why he is currently considering a return to his native Belgium after a 15-year departure.

The Belgian striker still has the chance to extend his contract with Napoli, but his latest statement confirms there were no talks on the matter at the time, meaning immediate action is needed if Il Partenopei needs his services and the player hopes to get them before the contract expires.

Mertens has made 30 Serie A appearances this season under head coach Luciano Spalletti, scoring 11 goals and providing two assists to help the team finish third in the 2021/22 table.