ARSENAL have reportedly made an approach to sign Napoli’s Dries Mertens on a free transfer.
Mikel Arteta was believed to have prioritised a move for a new defender this month following the season-ending injury to Calum Chambers.
Dries Mertens could be on his way to Arsenal on a free transferCredit: EPA
But with uncertainty surrounding the future of top goalscorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gunners could now be in the market for a new attacker.
And Sky Sport Italia and journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claim Arsenal have lined-up Mertens as a potential replacement.
Aubameyang only has 18 months remaining on his current contract at the end of the season.
Rumours have mounted he has informed Arteta already that he wants to leave the North London side this summer in order to join a team capable of challenging for top honours.
Now Mertens, 32, could provide the Gunners with a cheap alternative for the marksman.
He will become a free agent in June and is free to negotiate with interested clubs now.
The Belgian international, who has fired nine goals in 22 matches for Napoli this campaign, would also provide some more versatility to Arteta.
The veteran is capable of playing either through the middle or on the left of attack.
Arsenal are believed to be operating with a restricted transfer budget and have been looking to the loan market for possible additions this month.
Arteta warned fans at the weekend that the club could struggle to complete a signing before the end of the month.
The Spaniard said: “At the moment there is nothing coming up.
“The club is working on a few things but you know how difficult this window is and I’m not expecting many things.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
