Arsenal could miss out on centre-forward Dries Mertens who looks all set to move out of Napoli in the summer – according to the latest rumours.
The player’s contract at Napoli expires in the summer and he was about to get a new deal with the club. But now with the pandemic taking a toll on the club’s finances, it’s being reported, he will not get a new deal and will be allowed to leave for a free.
And this was a perfect chance for Mikel Arteta to bring in an experienced centre-forward for the upcoming season in a bid to help the Gunners get back amongst the big boys.
But as per Corriere dello Sport it’s Chelsea who are now leading the race to sign the 32-year-old with Frank Lampard eager to bring in a replacement for Olivier Giroud.
This will be a big blow for Mikel Arteta who could also lose Alexandre Lacazette in the summer with Barcelona eyeing a move for the Frenchman – as a long-term replacement to Luis Suarez.
Can Arsenal still sign Dries Mertens?
Mertens might be 32-year-old but this season he’s already netted six and assisted five goals for Napoli in the Serie A meaning Arsenal will surely go all out to sign him, especially since he is available on a free transfer.
But for the Gunners to leapfrog over Chelsea, they will first have to secure Champions League football which right now looks like a far-fetched dream.
Dries Mertens has only a few years of professional football left to play meaning he will certainly be looking to end his career on a high and not with a club who are struggling to get back their glory days.
Also, Chelsea have the advantage of paying a hefty salary to the Belgium international but Arsenal right now simply do not have the luxury to do that.
So all in all, the stacks are highly placed against Arsenal in this transfer and the only thing that can convince Dries Mertens to snub Chelsea and join the Emirates outfit is if Mikel Arteta can convince the player that he’s needed at the club.
