According to reports from the Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad, via the Daily Star, West Ham United are one of a number of clubs said to be interested in signing Napoli forward Dries Mertens this summer.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed another brilliant campaign with the Serie A outfit, but with his contract due to run out in 2018, the Belgian attacker is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League rather than extending his deal in Italy.
Following the departure of star man Dimitri Payet during the January transfer window, the Irons are calling out for more goals and creativity throughout the side, and they would have to be among the interested clubs if Mertens did decide on a move to England at the end of the season.
The story says Slaven Bilic could face competition from Manchester United, Crystal Palace and top flight hopefuls Newcastle United for the signature of the impressive forward, but he has proven that he is an individual worth fighting for.
Here are THREE reasons West Ham must go all out to sign Mertens this summer…
It would boost the fans
It has been a tough season for West Ham and their supporters, but the signing of a player like Mertens would certainly improve the morale all around the club.
The Irons have found it difficult to adapt to the London Stadium and creating the same atmosphere that they had in the Boleyn Ground previously, but the Belgian forward is someone that can get fans off of their seats, and that can only help the the mood in the stands.
They need a marquee signing
After struggling to deal with the move to their new stadium, the fallout and exit of star man Dimitri Payet and some poor performances and results, it has all been a bit flat at West Ham this season.
While a mid-table finish should be secured, Irons supporters will want more and they need some big signings if they are going to push on and challenge for the European spots in the Premier League.
Mertens would certainly be a player that would come under that category, and his arrival could persuade others to join a Hammers revolution.
He can make a huge impression
Similarly built to his Belgian teammate Eden Hazard, there is no doubt that Mertens can make a big impact in the Premier League – especially when you look at his stats this season.
The agile 29-year-old has scored an astonishing 24 goals in 35 appearances for Napoli in all competitions, and Irons fans would hope that he could make a similar impression to the one Manolo Gabbiadini has made for Southampton, after he joined the south coast outfit from Napoli during the January transfer window.
Do YOU agree, West Ham fans? Let us know in the comments section below.