LAZIO have agreed a deal to sign Olivier Giroud but the transfer depends on Dries Mertens joining Chelsea, according to reports.
Belgian striker Mertens, 32, has been targeted by Frank Lampard to ease his scoring problems and help push for a top-four finish.
But his move will only be given the green light if Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis says yes.
If he does, claim Di Marzio, then that could open the door to Lazio completing a move for Giroud, who has also been linked with Tottenham.
The report goes onto add that if Mertens – who would cost around 5m – agrees a move to Chelsea then Giroud can in turn leave London.
Former Arsenal star Giroud, 32, has barely figured under Lampard despite winning the World Cup with France in 2018 and has held talks with his boss about leaving.
Standing in the way of a quick and simple deal, though, is Mertens’ personal ambition to become Napoli’s record goalscorer.
He currently sits just four short of club legend Marek Hamsiks 122 goals.
Lampard first identified Mertens as a possible addition to his squad back in early December and has been monitoring the player ever since.
Mertens is out of contract at Napoli at the end of this season and the Serie A side have been advised to cash in on their man.
Although any move could be complicated by Inter’s threat to hijack the transfer.
Antonio Conte is preparing to get one over his old club and has reportedly prepared a two-year contract worth 7m for Mertens.
Lampard is currently relying on relative rookie Tammy Abraham to lead his line.
But the 22-year-old is battling to overcome an ankle injury which he suffered against Arsenal last week.
