Mikel Arteta may only have been at Arsenal for a matter of days, but he already has transfer targets in mind. According to Calciomercato, the Spaniard is eyeing a deal for Napoli forward Dries Mertens, while Sky Sports write that he also wants German winger Kevin Volland.
Mikel Arteta Already Lining Up Arsenal Transfer Targets
Mikel Arteta Wants Dries Mertens at Arsenal
Arteta is keen on signing experienced Belgian forward Dries Mertens in a cut-price deal in January, with the 32-year-old being in the last year of his contract at Napoli.
Since joining Napoli in 2013, Mertens has become one of the most highly-regarded forwards in Europe. Last season saw him score 19 goals and register 13 assists in all competitions; however, that could not beat his best of 34 goals in the 2016/17 season.
As a result, clubs are looking to strike a deal for the Napoli forward in January. Arsenal are facing competition from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund for Mertens, who could be available for around €10 million.
Kevin Volland Another Target
Mertens is not the only target for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta. Sky Sports are reporting that they are scouting Bayer Leverkusen forward Kevin Volland.
The 27-year-old has been in impressive form since joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2016. He registered a career-best tally of 15 goals last season, while registering 14 and nine goals in the two seasons prior. He has continued that form into this for the German club, with seven goals from 25 games, helping to sixth in the Bundesliga.
It is unclear who Mikel Arteta’s first choice target is. However, it is not a position that Arsenal are lacking in, with a number of forwards already in their squad. As a result, Arteta may wait until the summer to add to his forward department, with the defence being priority in the January transfer window.
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