Monday, 24th June, 2013
Napoli boss Rafael Benitez is poised to complete his first summer signing in PSV Eindhoven man Dries Mertens, with a €9.5m deal awaiting clearance from the bank, after the player passed his medical in the morning.
Napoli’s purchase of Mertens has been a relatively open secret, even if the player was being chased by Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
The 26-year-old underwent his medical at Napoli today, as confirmed by the club’s site, and is expected to sign a five-year contract.
It means the Belgian will become new manager Benitez’s first summer signing, even if PSV are awaiting clearance from the bank on the deal, according to their technical director.
relatedNewsStory
Marcel Brands was quoted by Voetbal International as saying: "If all goes well, we will know at the end of the day if everything is agreed."
Napoli themselves revealed Mertens’ medical had gone according to plan, saying in a statement: "Dries Mertens has had medical tests for Napoli.
"The Belgian landed at Capodichino and then went to the Azzurri’s team doctor. The visits have had a positive outcome."
Mertens had been much in demand this summer after a productive season with PSV that saw 16 goals and 17 assists in the league, while he has also impressed in the World Cup qualifiers for Belgium.
Mertens joined PSV in 2011 under former Vitesse boss Fred Rutten, and has since notched 88 appearances for the Eredivisie runners-up, scoring 45 goals in the process.
Like betting on football? You simply must check out Inside Bet!
