According to reports in Italy, the soon-to-be new owners at Newcastle United are ‘ready’ to make Napoli star Dries Mertens a big offer once a £300m takeover is finalised.
The 32-year-old is set to leave the Serie A giants on a free this summer, meaning there’ll be no shortage of his interest, with the prospect of signing the Belgian international for nothing a highly attractive one.
Corriere dello Sport reported yesterday that Chelsea were at the front of the queue for his signature, however Italian outlet FcInterNews claim we are ‘ready to make a rich offer’ – stating we’ll offer Mertens a two-year deal worth €7m per season (after tax).
These claims must be taken with a pinch of salt given we are not yet sure who’ll lead the Saudi revolution at St James’ Park, however I would stress that plans WILL be taking place behind the scenes if a takeover really is as imminent as most ‘in the know’ are suggesting.
After all, many silly-rich owners before them have made their own marquee signings, regardless of managerial uncertainty. Just look at Roman Abramovich at Chelsea, for example.
