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Dries Mertens – PSV to Napoli (£9m)
What’s the story? Mertens is pretty much the only one of the star Belgians not in the Premier League.
Is the price right? It certainly is. If anything it’s quite cheap. Mertens scored 16 and made 17 goals last season. Even in the Eredivisie it’s an impressive strike rate from the left wing.
Why sign him? Napoli want to win Serie A and they’re not a million miles away. However, last season only Cavani and Hamsik got to double figures. He’d either make for a potent front three with Cavani and Insigne if the Uruguayan stays or be the first step in replacing his output.
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Why sell him? Mertens had said he wanted to test himself in a bigger league and PSV could afford to sell in order to move quickly for Adam Maher.
Will it work? It really should do. His pace will be rare in Serie A. The possible worry is whether the tactical nature of the game in Italy will shackle his natural game. However, Napoli have good counter attacking personnel which would compliment him.
Grade: B+ Not a massive need and unproven in a defensive league however, he possesses game changing skill and speed and gives them consistent attacking menace to add to what they have.
