Arsenal transfer news: Dries Mertens turned down Gunners this summer, but Arsene Wenger ‘will activate Napoli star’s £26.5m release clause’ next year
ARSENAL attempted to sign Napoli star Dries Mertens in the summer, and will look at activating his release clause next season.
The 30-year-old netted 34 times in all competitions last season and Arsene Wenger eyed up the Belgian international as a possible replacement for Alexis Sanchez.
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According to Italian news outlet calciomercato, the Gunners failed to lure him to the Emirates after Mertens penned a new deal at Stadio San Paolo.
But to the temptation of Arsenal and fellow European rivals, despite extending his stay until 2020, a £26.5million release clause can be activated from the beginning of 2018.
The FA Cup champions were linked with moves to sign Thomas Lemar, Riyad Mahrez, Julian Draxler and even former Chelsea flop Juan Cuadrado.
But is has now been revealed that they missed out on yet another top target.
The report also states that Wenger's side couldn't even negotiate a fee as Mertens is set to stay in Italy for at least another season.
Arsenal transfer news
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- Harry Kane (West Ham v Spurs): "The Tottenham star is up and running now." (3/1 - add to your betslip)
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They will get a better look of how the ex-PSV ace fares against English opposition when Napoli face Manchester City at the Etihad in the Champions League next month.
Mertens has already started this campaign as ended the last - on fire.
He has already notches up six Serie A goals in five matches, as Maurizio Sarri's men sit top of the table - leading Juventus on goal difference with 15 points apiece.
The goal machine claimed that Chelsea were interested in his services before he committed his future to Napoli.
And with his stock continuing to rise, you can be sure that Arsenal won't be the only club vying for his signature.
The summer transfer window was one the craziest we have ever seen.
Take a look at the most profitable transfers of ALL time.
And here are the Premier League players whose wages made them the most expensive per minute played.
