Chelsea’s summer transfer window hasn’t even really started yet, due to all the question marks surrounding the managerial situation. However, once it’s settled the other transfer dominoes will fall, and it appears that Jean Michael Seri and Dries Mertens are the main initial targets.
Once former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri replaces Antonio Conte, the players being targeted by the team will feel more secure in signing on at Stamford Bridge. According to reports, Conte tried twice to bring Belgian international and Napoli striker Dries Mertens to west London, but failed. Now Sarri will try again, and given the connections between player and manager, a different result is expected.
Mertens could be the second new addition of the Sarri regime, as Nice midfielder Seri could be be the first. The Daily Telegraph writes that:
Chelsea are closing in on the appointment of Sarri as successor to head coach Conte and hope to complete a move for midfielder Jean Michael Serri once their managerial situation is sorted out.
Serri’s name is likely to have been run past Sarri, but they may not be in total agreement over a potential bid for Mertens.
It’s been reported that Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, as well as Seri, are refusing to sign until the Conte/Sarri situation reaches a resolution.
Mertens, who opened the scoring for Belgium in their first World Cup match, a resounding win over Panama, has been targeted by several Premier League clubs in the past, including Manchester United. Seri is also reportedly being targeted by Arsenal and Napoli.
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