According to an exclusive report from The Express, Arsenal have started talks with Napoli to sign Dries Mertens next month.
The Belgian’s contract at Naples ends in the summer. If the Serie A giants don’t sell him in January, he will walk away for free in over six months time. As a result, the report claims that Mertens will be available for just £10 million which is an absolute bargain for a player of his quality.
However, Arsenal have three top-quality strikers in their ranks in Lacazette, Aubamayeng and Martinelli at the moment. Eddie Nketiah, currently out on loan, will also return in the summer which eliminates the need for another striker.
However, Mikel Arteta stressed in his first press conference about the importance of players believing in his philosophy. He also made it clear that anybody who creates a negative environment around the club will be shown the door which raises the question that if one of Arsenal’s two big strikers could be on their way out in January.
Auba and Laca out?
The Mirror claimed last week that both Aubameyang and Lacazette aren’t happy with Arteta’s appointment. This could cause problems between each of them and the manager which isn’t healthy for the squad on the whole.
If the duo refuses to buy into Arteta, they should be sold in January without any second thoughts. Mertens would be a world-class short term replacement and at £10 million, it would be a no brainer. The Belgian has nine goals this season and is proven goal scorer as evident with his performances over the years.
Mertens experience will be a huge experience to someone like Martinelli whose game is similar to the Belgian’s. Mertens would be a fantastic mentor for the youngsters but the move doesn’t make sense unless we lose a striker.
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