Arsenal reportedly tried to sign Napoli forward Dries Mertens during the past summer transfer window.
Italian sports outlet Calcio Mercato reports that the Gunners were interested in signing the 30-year-old but manager Arsene Wenger was unable to open negotiations as the player was discussing his contract with the Serie A outfit throughout the summer.
The report claims that the North London club are likely to pursue the Belgium international next summer with the player having a £31million release clause in his contract.
Good move for Arsenal?
There’s no doubt that Arsenal fans will be disappointed that the club have reportedly let another top talent slip away from their grasp.
The Belgian enjoyed a sensational campaign last season, contributing with 34 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.
Mertens has also enjoyed a fine start to the new season, notching up seven goals and three assists in just eight matches.
The forward has been one of the most consistent performers in Europe over the last couple of seasons and his inclusion into the Arsenal squad would go a long way into helping them challenge for the Premier League title.
With Arsenal looking to make a move for Mertens, it appears inevitable that current talisman Alexis Sanchez will leave the club at the end of the season.
However, Mertens has the quality to replace the Chilean’s goals and potentially offer the club with fine performances on a consistent level.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
With the Gunners failing to snap up the forward this summer, there will surely be a number of top European teams interested in signing him next summer.
In the current climate in the transfer window, £31million is not a lot of money and he will be seen as a bargain at the start of the 2017-18 campaign.
Furthermore, in the past, Wenger has not been a fan of signing players who are older than 30 and Mertens enters this bracket but this should not discourage him to sign the Belgian.
Arsenal’s best bet of acquiring his services would be to finish in the top four places and come away with some silverware this season.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10