According to a recent report by Tuttomercatoweb, Liverpool have identified Napoli striker Dries Mertens, who is soon to be a free agent, as a potential replacement for either Divock Origi or Xherdan Shaqiri when the transfer window reopens later this year. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds are looking to cash in on either Origi or Shaqiri this summer and are prepared to offer Mertens a three-year contract to lure him away from Naples during the summer transfer period.
However, it is believed that the Serie A side are still trying to retain the Belgian forward’s services by tying him down to a new deal. Chelsea and Inter Milan are also ready to rival Liverpool for the player whose current contract at the San Paolo Stadium expires at the end of June (via Tuttomercatoweb).
Mertens’ Solid Goal-Scoring Record At Naples
The Belgian international has enjoyed another impressive season as the focal point of the Napoli attack after putting in a series of match-winning displays for Gennaro Gattuso’s side so far. He has banged in 12 goals and provided six assists in 29 matches for the Italian giants this term across all competitions. Mertens’ stats indicate just how lethal he can be in the final third which explains why so many top clubs are vying for his signature in this off-season.
The 32-year-old has averaged 2.9 shots, 1.8 key passes and 0.7 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football this season. However, the Leuven-born talent has not been as effective in Europe where he has averaged 2.7 shots, 1.3 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per game in the six UEFA Champions League matches he has been a part of so far (stats via whoscored).
Mertens is also vastly experienced at the international level, having secured 90 senior caps for the Italian national team while registering 18 goals for his country in the process. If he can maintain his high standards in the upcoming campaign, then he should have a good shot of being named in Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals after the competition got delayed due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
What Are The Napoli Frontman’s Best Attributes?
Mertens can use his quickness and agility to make some well-timed runs in behind the opposition defence. He has also transformed himself into an unforgiving finisher in front of the opposition goal. His shots often pack a lot of power and accuracy even when he is attempting to shoot from long range. The Belgian striker is also an accurate distributor of the ball after completing 81.5% of his attempted passes in the Serie A this season which has translated to six assists from him so far (stats via whoscored).
Is Mertens The Right Choice For Klopp?
With all things considered, it seems like Mertens could serve as an ideal short-term option for Jurgen Klopp’s side as he will bring a lot of goals and creativity to Anfield. The veteran forward will also increase competition for the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino as he is primarily a centre-forward but can even fill in as a left-sided winger if required. His incredible versatility, coupled with his ability to consistently score or create goals, make him a worthwhile target for Klopp to pursue before the start of the new season.
Mertens will be available for free, which makes him a low-risk acquisition for any of his potential suitors. However, he doesn’t fit into the model of Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group as they have established a transfer policy of only going for players who will add long-term value to the club. At the same time, Mertens will soon become a free agent if he decides not to pen a new deal with Napoli. Hence, there is a possibility that Liverpool will make an exception due to his affordability and experience to find the back of the net regularly at the highest level.
