Maurizio Sarri is hopeful of reuniting with Napoli forward Dries Mertens at Chelsea, according to a report.

The 31-year-old has played a direct part in 35 Serie A goals since being transformed from a winger into more of a centre-forward by Sarri at the start of last season.

Mertens admitted last week that he has a lot to thank his former manager for, having helped to turn him into one of the hottest talents on the continent.

According to Calciomercato, the Belgium international may yet work under Sarri again in the near future as the Blues boss wants him at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are expected to strengthen up top in the next two windows, with Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud not up to Sarri's standards.

The West London outfit snapped up midfield playmaker Jorginho from Napoli during the summer.