---
title: "Arsenal wanted to land Napoli star in the summer"
canonical: "https://readarsenal.com/2017/09/22/arsenal-wanted-land-napoli-star-summer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Features"
published: "2017-09-22T16:08:20Z"
modified: "2017-09-22T16:08:20Z"
---

# Arsenal wanted to land Napoli star in the summer

Arsenal have been known in recent years to have missed out on a plethora of exceptional talent.

The Gunners endured what was a frustrating summer transfer window. They lured Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette to the club early on, but that was where their business finished.

However, according to Italian news outlet Calciomercato (h/t [Daily Star](https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/646885/Arsene-Wenger-Napoli-Dries-Mertens-Arsenal-Premier-League-Serie-A-transfer-news)), Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was determined to land Napoli sensation Dries Mertens.

![Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/671815478.jpg)

The Belgian international has enjoyed a stellar tenure with the Serie A outfit and has flourished under Maurizio Sarri. He has established himself as one of the best players in Italy, and is a key asset for Napoli.

Mertens – a player who has been tipped for many years now with a move to the Premier League – put pen to paper on a new and improved contract only recently, though, ending any hope of Wenger luring him away from the Stadio San Paolo in the near future.