CHELSEA are 'serious' about signing Dries Mertens from Italian giants Napoli before letting Olivier Giroud go.
The Blues are targeting the forward as a late January transfer swoop, according to reports.
Once a deal is done for the Belgian, Giroud would then be freed up to make a move..with the Frenchman keen on a transfer to Tottenham.
As Friday's transfer deadline draws closer, Giroud's name has been linked with a number of clubs including Inter Milan- which was called off by former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
Spurs have been on the lookout for a Harry Kane replacement.
Kane is out of action until April following a hamstring injury and Giroud could fit the bill.
Provided Frank Lampard can get a replacement for him, Stamford Bridge chiefs are happy to let him go.
He has struggled to break into the team with Tammy Abraham cementing himself as the main striker.
Sought after Mertens, 32, has scored four goals in 16 Serie A games for Napoli this season.
The Blues are also interested in signing Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech and are so far ahead in the race with Manchester United.
Despite signing a new contract until 2022 earlier this season which removed a £25million release clause, Ziyech has been told he can move if the price is right.
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He could cost around £42.5million and has also been linked with a move to Arsenal– a team he has described as a dream destination for him.
He has scored eight goals and provided 18 assists across all competitions this season.
The Moroccan is high on Lampard's list of winter signings, along with Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell.
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