Inter set sights on Dries Mertens

May 29, 2012 10:58:00 AM

The Nerazzurri are keen to add the Belgium international to their squad next season, and are prepared to include Luc Castaignos in a part-exchange proposal

EXCLUSIVE
By Elia Raimondo

Dries Mertens has caught the attention of Inter with his outstanding performances for PSV in the 2011-12 campaign, Goal.com has learned.

Nerazzurri coach Andrea Stramaccioni intends to play in a 4-3-3 formation next season, and is looking to add wingers to his squad this summer.

Inter are already on the verge of completing the signing of Rodrigo Palacio from Genoa, while they are also continually being linked with Napoli star Ezequiel Lavezzi.

However, their plans on the transfer market are not restricted to the Argentine duo, as they have now set their sights on the 25-year-old Mertens.

The Belgium international joined PSV from Utrecht in the summer of 2011 for a fee in the region of €6.5 million, and has developed into a key player at the Eredivisie giants in his first season.

Mertens has a contract with PSV until the summer of 2016, and an offer in the region of €15m could be needed to lure him away from the Philips Stadium.

Inter will attempt to convince the Dutch giants to lower their demands by including young striker Luc Castaignos in the deal, but it is unsure whether PSV are interested in the Netherlands Under-21 star.

Mertens netted 21 goals in 33 Eredivisie appearances this season, while setting up 14 more.

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