According to a recent report by Il Mattino (via the Metro), Arsenal are keen on securing the services of Napoli striker Dries Mertens. However, the same source has claimed that the Gunners will face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan in pursuit of the Serie A hotshot.
The Belgian frontman’s contract at the Naples-based club expires at the end of this campaign. Hence, it is no surprise that so many European giants are lining up to recruit him. Mertens addressed his future last month when he said (via the Metro), ‘I still don’t know what my future will be.
‘My objective right now is to have a very good season with Napoli. Then we’ll see how things go. There’s still some time left until the end of the season.
‘Here at Napoli, I still have seven months left on my contract. I don’t know where I’ll be playing next season.
‘At the end of this year, I’ll assess whether to renew my contract or not, but it’s still too early. I’m not in a position to rule anything out.’
Mertens’ Remarkable Rise As A Centre-Forward In The Serie A
It is safe to say that the Belgian international is keeping his options open, so neither club has an advantage at this point. The 32-year-old has made a brilliant start to this campaign after putting in some memorable displays for Carlo Ancelotti’s side across all competitions.
Mertens has featured in 15 matches for Napoli this term, netting seven goals while creating two assists on all fronts. He has averaged 3.0 shots, 2.1 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per game in the Italian top-flight so far (stats via whoscored).
The former PSV Eindhoven talent also has a wealth of experience at the international level, having represented Belgium in 89 matches while scoring 18 goals for them in the process.
What Are The Belgian International’s Best Attributes?
Mertens is an experienced campaigner who has recently found a lot of joy while playing as a centre-forward up top. The Belgian striker has scored plenty of goals using his pace and technical ability over the past couple of seasons. He has successfully managed to transform himself into an unforgiving finisher in the final third.
Do The Gunners Need Mertens?
Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for a club in need of a striker to go all out for his services. However, the Gunners are well-stocked in the striking department as they have the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette at the English capital.
The North London giants are a well-stocked, offence-heavy team but their defensive performances have left a lot to be desired. Therefore, Unai Emery is better off focussing on improving some of the other areas of his squad and not bring in another attacker in the coming months.
