CHELSEA boss Frank Lampard has reportedly started following transfer target Dries Mertens on Instagram.
The Blues have been heavily linked with the Napoli ace who is out of contract at the Italian club in the summer.
Lampard attempted to make his move in the January transfer window but the club weren't willing to let him leave midway through the campaign.
According to Italian publication II Mattino, Lampard has already been laying the groundwork to fend off rivals and secure Mertens' free transfer.
The coronavirus pandemic is set to have a huge impact on the summer's window, so Mertens' availability for nothing makes him even more desirable.
Reports claim he has made direct contact with the 33-year-old and his representatives to assess whether a move to London would interest him.
And his transfer interest has been further fuelled after Lampard started following the player on Instagram.
Chelsea are believed to be targeting a striker, centre-back and left-back.
Mertens created history earlier this year when he drew level with Marek Hamsik as Napoli's joint all-time leading goalscorer on 121 after netting against Barcelona on February 25.
The 5ft 7in attacker enjoyed his best goalscoring season under former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri three years ago, when he bagged 28 in 34 Serie A appearances.
Capdiortu
0
Think this a nice move from manager Frankie... he could boost abraham's experience as well as win is a cup or 2 before leaving... big up's to Lampard... right man for the job ✅ ✅
hazdilnruz
0
me I love de guy de guy good at all
kokbepsu
0
if we can have this old horse for 2 seasons and win 2 or 3 cups we are fine
kokbepsu
0
if we can have this old horse for 2 season and win 2 or 3 cups we are fine
kokbepsu
0
Lampard this guy is oldest for Napoli[5percent]
getting hom for free it's ok
datbeioru
0
Giroud should stay but Chelsea
Nutcdrtz
0
I think Lampard only needs mertens as a short term option so as he plays tammy abraham can learn from him due to his experience before he leaves
cinabopr
0
Chelsea. can't not sing.this guy is old for Chelsea sing [5percent]
cieeklpt
0
Y’all need to stop 🤣
cinabopr
2
Lampard this guy is oldest for Napoli[5percent]
MaddyKotagiri
0
Considering he is a free player will be good for a season or two. But he is not the permanent solution, Chelsea need more goals at the front to compete with Liverpool and City!! Forget about champions league for now, nowhere near to it!!
mksportsman
2
come on lampard ....... let him follow you to chelsea
Mrdiscussion
0
Age 33? Is Lampard kidding me? We need a permanent solution to our striker problem not a temporary solution. If we eventually sign him, I won’t be surprised if he perform below expectations.
tancdelmop
0
a player okay
Alets3
1
Good move from Lampard He'll help Abraham grow✅ Free player✅
kross5
3
leEboS2o08
0
I like this Guy CHELSEA please sign Him
u mad
jocanorty
0
What we need is a midback
what is a midback🤔
Tunski
0
lampard Don't really want a competitor for Abraham, he just want an old age striker like Giroud as backup for Abraham
chelseaboi1905
0
at 33 he still puts up great numbers and with his experience he can not only mentor our younger players but also provide some scoring back up for Tammy Abraham because we all know he's going to be our number 1 striker for years to come if he keeps producing like he was b4 his injury
Kwaku16
0
It’s not and no one is following fake Lampard page.
Check it yourself
AdesolaOriowo
0
I just checked. It's a fake Lampard account
It’s not and no one is following fake Lampard page.
Nesaiknruy_Legend
1
I mean following isnt enough tbh. I want to see "Official:" them I'll believe a deal happening.
skyeprince
0
why go for an aged player? whereas the likes of William, Pedro and Giroud are about to be shown the exit door. we've got the likes of Icardi etc still at their prime.
Sometimes, change is all you need. Mertens produces better numbers than our older players.
Vaebcmnory
0
We need a few aged world class players with experience like merterns to improve,having only youngsters is a big mistake because they are not consistent and they need a leader,but I trust lampard’s decision and he’s the man to bring us back to the glory days
[image]
This is madness to the first other
Looaklortu
1
Please Mr Lampard,stop what you are doing to our team, we don't need him at all,go in Aubameyang,bicos he has the Quality more than this 33 Mertins
Kwaku16
0
I just checked. It's a fake Lampard account
Rokabcor
0
Agent lampard is this a new way of convincing players to join you team
none of your business
Rokabcor
0
why go for an aged player? whereas the likes of William, Pedro and Giroud are about to be shown the exit door. we've got the likes of Icardi etc still at their prime.
if only he can deliver, why not
TETRANINJA
1
I just checked and it’s a troll lampard account
Amgnonijunior
2
I like this Guy CHELSEA please sign Him
WeiHongKhoo
1
World class manager doing world class things
TETRANINJA
2
We need a few aged world class players with experience like merterns to improve,having only youngsters is a big mistake because they are not consistent and they need a leader,but I trust lampard’s decision and he’s the man to bring us back to the glory days
denizle
2
Chelsea squad next season
Vozaerstuz
1
why go for an aged player? whereas the likes of William, Pedro and Giroud are about to be shown the exit door. we've got the likes of Icardi etc still at their prime.
MikeTeddy
0
Agent lampard is this a new way of convincing players to join you team
CHELOVER
1
What we need is a midback