Premier League side Arsenal are reportedly keen on securing the signature of Napoli forward Dries Mertens in the January transfer window.
The experienced Belgian striker has been with the Italian side since 2013, and has become a key player for them. As per Calciomercato however, the Gunners are one of a few top European sides that are interested in signing Mertens in January.
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are two other sides that could rival Arsenal for the 32-year-old’s signature, while Inter Milan are also keen.
The report states that Napoli could let the experienced striker leave for €10 million as his contract with the club expires in the summer, and that he is not interested in signing a new deal with them.
Mertens has scored 9 goals and managed 4 assists in 22 games for Napoli this season. Since joining them in 2013, he has managed 118 goals and 71 assists in 302 appearances.
The attacker has also been an integral part of the Belgian national team, playing 86 times and scoring 18 goals.
Dries Mertens would be an absolute bargain at €10 million
Mertens is a quick and intelligent attacker who has played as a striker as well as a second striker, and is also capable of playing out on the wings.
His partnership with Lorenzo Insigne has been good for the club as they have been the standout attackers for Napoli over the last few seasons. Mertens’ intelligent movement, passing and eye for goal has made him a feared forward in Europe.
The Belgian is someone who can drop deep into midfield and pick out passes for his teammates, while also being a player who can drift into wide areas to make things happen for his team.
Arsenal could very well use a hard-working player like him, but it remains to be seen how he will fit into the Arsenal team under Mikel Arteta.
As long as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in the Gunners side, he will most likely be the first-choice striker. Mertens could play from the left, but he hasn’t played that role often in the last few seasons. And with Alexandre Lacazette on the bench for the Gunners, a striker is not a priority for them.
But, if new manager Mikel Arteta could somehow integrate Mertens into his system, he should be considered seriously as he is an absolute bargain at €10 million.