Inter Milan have emerged as a front-runner to sign Arsenal target Dries Mertens this summer, according to Calciomercato.
The Gunners are believed to be keen on a move for the Napoli forward, with Chelsea and Manchester United also considered as potential suitors.
Mertens is out of contract at the end of the season, allowing him to join on a free transfer.
Inter are willing to offer him a big-money deal, though, which could scupper Arsenal’s hopes of signing him.
Read Arsenal Verdict
Mertens remains a formidable footballer, scoring six goals and registering four assists in Serie A this season, but he doesn’t represent the future.
He is approaching 33 years of age, so I don’t see the need for Arsenal to sign him, even on a free.
I believe Mikel Arteta should be looking at the long-term picture, building a team capable of improving as the years pass, much in the way Jurgen Klopp has done at Liverpool.
The German hasn’t been one to bring in ageing stars, instead opting for younger talent with great potential, such as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Mertens feels likes a short-term fix, potentially blocking the path of exciting youngsters such as Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.
