Arsenal are lining up Napoli forward Dries Mertens with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future up in the air, according to reports.
Ahead of the recent FA Cup tie with Leeds United, Aubameyang used his column in the club’s matchday programme to insist speculation he was angling for a move away from the Emirates Stadium was wide of the mark.
“I would also like to react to some of the rumours that are going around about me in the media,” he wrote.
“People like making up stories and they should focus on what’s happening on the pitch. They talk too much and it does my head in!
“I am the Arsenal captain. I love this club. I am committed to it and desperate to bring it back to the top, where it belongs.”
Despite those comments, speculation still exists that while the Gunners go without Champions League Aubameyang may not be happy to stay.
Barcelona have been the main club linked with a move for the Arsenal striker as the north London club sit tenth in the Premier League, 11 points off a Champions League position.
And now Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia (via The Metro) claims that Arsenal have made an approach to sign Napoli forward Mertens on a free transfer with his contract up in the summer.
The Belgium international would represent a cheap option for Arsenal as they line up a possible replacement for Aubameyang.
Mertens can play through the middle or out wide and would provide Mikel Arteta with a versatile solution at the top of the pitch.