Arsenal news: Gunners wanted Dries Mertens and could activate £26m clause in summer

ARSENAL reportedly tried to sign Dries Mertens over the summer and could be back in for the Napoli forward at the end of the season.

Dries MertensGETTY

Dries Mertens is reportedly a target for Arsenal

Arsenal were fairly frugal in the summer transfer window, adding just Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac to their ranks.

The Gunners did attempt to bolster their attacking options with moves for Juan Cuadrado and Riyad Mahrez, both of which failed to materialise.

And Italian outlet CalcioMercato have revealed the north London club were also pursuing Napoli forward Dries Mertens.

A deal could not be reached but the report says the Premier League side could look to trigger his release clause next summer.

Dries MertensGETTY

Dries Mertens is said to have a £26million release clause in his new contract

Dries Mertens produces expert finish for Belgium

Mertens is said to have a buy-out clause worth £26million that comes into effect at the end of the season.

The capture of the Belgium international would be a coup for Arsenal, especially if he continues his superb goalscoring form throughout this campaign.

Last term the 30-year-old was one of the most prolific forwards in Europe, scoring 34 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions.

And he has got off to a flyer once again this season, with seven goals in eight games and three assists to his name.

Mertens agreed a new deal with Napoli over the summer, keeping him with the Serie A club until June 2020 and he admitted he stayed for manager Maurizio Sarri.

“What convinced me to stay at Napoli was the project,” he said.

“I think this team is so strong and has a great future ahead of it.

"With this coach at the helm, none of us wanted to leave, because it’s a pleasure working with Sarri and there’s such joy running through the entire group."

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