Why Arsenal would be wise to sign Dries Mertens
Dries Mertens is linked with a possible move to Arsenal, according to Metro.
The Belgian forward, 32, will enter the final six months of his current contract next month. It would represent a brilliant piece of business if Arteta is able to acquire the services of Mertens, who has 118 goals and 71 assists in 303 matches for Napoli.
The former Arsenal midfielder was confirmed as manager on Friday, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract at the Emirates. Arteta watched on from the stands at Goodison Park as Arsenal played out a drab goalless draw with Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Gunners currently sit 11th in the Premier League, already six points behind the top four.
Mertens has done pretty well for Napoli this season so far, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 21 appearances across all competitions. An experienced player like the 32-year-old would be a fine addition to Arsenal’s squad.
New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta won’t is unlikely to receive a huge January transfer budget after the north Londoners spent heavily in the summer. That said, the club must still pursue a move for Mertens, who joined Napoli in 2013 after a two-year spell at PSV Eindhoven.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, meanwhile, is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the 2019-20 season. The Gabon international will be out of contract soon and even participated in talks about extending his stay in north London. But the Sun says that he is desperate to quit the club.
The Gabon forward has scored more than 50 goals for the Gunners since a move from Borussia Dortmund in 2018. Aubameyang’s current deal expires in 2021 and Arsenal should treat the matter with urgency.
Verdict
With major doubts regarding the future of Aubameyang, signing Mertens should be Arsenal’s top priority in the January transfer window. If they manage to land the Belgian, Arsenal’s top-four challenge will receive a major boost.
