Arsenal are monitoring the situation of Napoli centre-forward Dries Mertens ahead of a potential move in the summer. According to recent reports, the Gunners are keeping tabs on the Belgian international and could make a move for his signature when the transfer window opens this summer. It is believed that the Naples-based club are currently locked in negotiations with the player to try and extend his stay beyond the summer of 2020.
The 30-year-old striker has put in a number of dazzling displays for Napoli during the course of this season which has not gone unnoticed. Some sources are claiming that the Gunners are keeping an eye on his contract situation at the Serie A club and could make an offer for him at the end of the season. However, Wenger’s side will face stiff competition from Manchester United on the hunt for the Belgian’s signature.
Mertens has made 46 appearances for the Italian outfit this season, scoring 21 goals while creating 12 assists across all competitions. His current contract is set to expire in the summer of 2020 but has a release clause of €28m. Napoli are eager to extend his stay at the Stadio San Paolo by making him sign a new deal in order to fend off interest from other clubs.
Wenger’s side looks set to finish in the sixth spot in the Premier League table and currently have a total tally of 57 points after Gameweek 36. The North London outfit will need to strengthen their squad in the summer transfer period by bringing in a few new faces as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and their top 4 rivals next season.
The potential addition of Mertens will undoubtedly bolster the Gunners’ attacking options ahead of the new campaign. Arsenal have the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Danny Welbeck vying for a place in Wenger’s starting eleven. The addition of Mertens will definitely improve their squad significantly and add more competition for places within the Arsenal team.
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The Belgian international has lit up the Serie A with his performances this season and at 30, he still has a few good years left in him to play at the top level which the North Londoners could look to capitalise on, in the coming years. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Mertens and whether he ends up making a switch to the Emirates Stadium in the near future.
