Chelsea are exploring the possibility of signing Dries Mertens from Napoli before Friday’s transfer deadline.

The 32-year-old is out of contract until the end of the season and is thought to be keen on staying at the Serie A club until the summer.

However, that situation could change if the Blues are able to agree a fee with Napoli and offer a financial package tempting enough to to move to west London.

Mertens, who has scored 88 league goals in 221 appearances, represents a cheaper option than Edinson Cavani, who is the same age but on £360,000-a-week at Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea have expressed an interest in Cavani but have so far baulked at the total outlay, given PSG want at least £15m whole the striker wants a minimum 18-month deal.

Atletico Madrid remain favourites to land Cavani, meaning the Blues are turning their attentions elsewhere with top target Moussa Dembele not available from Lyon until the summer.

Napoli may be reluctant to lose Mertens given they are languishing in 10th place in Serie A and have a Champions League last 16 tie against Barcelona to come.