Arsenal join list of teams looking to sign Dries Mertens.
Arsenal has been linked with a move for Napoli’s 32 years old attacker, Dries Mertens, according to reports in the Italian media.
Mertens has proven over the years that he is one of the best attackers in European football. He was initially an out and out winger before being converted to a striker. The Belgian has gone on to score 88 times for Napoli since he joined them in 2013.
However, he is in the final year of his current deal and clubs are targetting him for a move in the January transfer window.
Arsenal is joined by city rivals, Tottenham in the race for his signature. However, both teams face competition from Juventus, Inter Milan and AS Roma.
Napoli is very unlikely to give him a new deal because of his age and his part in the dressing room revolt that took place this past week.
Mertens would bring valuable experience and an attacking group of him, Aubameyang, Pepe and Lacazette would be enticing.
That said, in his prime, Mertens was a formidable player, however, I am not so sure he is at that level anymore.
I can see the attraction of such a player but is he really what Arsenal need now? The frontline is not a big problem. Arsenal needs creative midfielders and strong defenders, especially in the centre.
Then there is his stamina and playing in the high-intensity Premier League. Would he be able to adapt? Again, I am not so sure.
Put it this way, this is not one to get excited about in my opinion.