Napoli 'take important steps in tying down Dries Mertens to a new deal' as Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal wait to see if they can sign Belgian on free transfer in the summer
- Dries Mertens is out of contract in June and highly sought-after across Europe
- The Napoli star became the club's joint all-time top goalscorer on Tuesday night
- Napoli have made important steps in tying him down to new deal, say reports
- Player's lawyers outlined three reasons why he is yet to sign offered contract
Napoli have made big strides in their bid to tie down Dries Mertens to a new contract as he edges ever closer to the expiry of his contract, according to reports.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal are among the clubs interested in signing the Belgian superstar, and the former made a last-ditch attempt to sign him on deadline day in January.
His contract expires in the summer, and while many expect him to leave the club on a free, there is now fresh hope that they can tie him down to a new contract.
Dries Mertens (left) became Napoli's joint all-time top goalscorer with 121 on Tuesday night
CalcioMercato report that Mertens' representatives have made it clear to club president Aurelio de Laurentiis why Mertens is yet to sign a new deal, detailing three reasons.
Mertens wants a three-year deal, but could yet accept two, and there are issues with the fixed salary and the signing-on fee, according to the report.
The 32-year-old is in an excellent position when it comes to negotiating, given he became the club's joint all-time top goalscorer this week after netting against Barcelona.
His 121st goal in the club's colours took him level with Marek Hamsik, and Napoli will be desperate not to lose one of their biggest legends on a free transfer.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan and Monaco have also expressed an interest and Mertens will certainly not be short of options should he decide to leave the San Paolo.
The 32-year-old is out of contract in the summer but could yet sign a deal to stay at the club
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