Jorginho has ‘liked’ a post on Instagram which indicates that he and Dries Mertens could be reunited at Chelsea in the coming days.
The Blues have been scouring the market for attacking reinforcements this January and Mertens has been firmly on Frank Lampard’s shortlist of targets as he looks to ease the pressure on young striker Tammy Abraham.
The 32-year-old, , who has scored 118 goals in 300 appearances for Napoli, is out of contract in the summer and has been free to negotiate with other clubs as he seeks a move away from Naples.
Mertens in open to a challenge in the Premier League in what will be the twilight years of his career, with Tottenham and Arsenal also linked in recent weeks.
A report from Gianluca Di Marzio on Wednesday claims that Chelsea are ‘serious’ about signing Mertens this winter and talks have taken place over the last few hours.
It’s claimed Chelsea are willing to part with €6-7million (£5-6m) in order to land the Belgian now rather than on a free transfer at the end of the season.
This move could, in turn, see Olivier Giroud complete a move to Tottenham before Friday’s deadline.
Chelsea supporters have been as desperate as their manager for a new addition up front this January and the rumours surrounding Mertens have understandably sent many into a frenzy.
One fan account on Instagram shared a picture of Jorginho and Mertens during their time together at Napoli with the eyes and an egg timer emojis, hinting at an imminent move.
And look who ‘liked’ the post… know something we don’t, Jorginho?
Napoli head coach Gennaro Gattuso refused to be drawn into the speculation surrounding Mertens’ future when asked about the striker’s contract situation.
‘I am not talking about contracts, I am already struggling to do my job,’ he said.
‘Nobody has knocked on my door, they know who they need to talk to but as I say, nobody has spoken to me.’
Lampard admitted his squad needed strengthening in the wake of Chelsea’s win over Hull City last weekend.
‘There is no movement to speak of now,’ the Chelsea manager told BT Sport.
‘We got a punishment in the summer and it is meant to hurt you. We lost one of the biggest players in our history in Eden Hazard. That is the situation.
‘My job is to work every day on the training ground to make the players better. The other part is looking at how we can move forward by bringing in players.
‘We lost ground last summer and we need to make moves now to take us forward.
‘I have a strong feeling of where we can improve personnel-wise to take us forward.
‘So for me it’s clear. The money of it is not my job but I have to be honest and truthful. Short-term recruitment is something we have to get right.’
