Only one player has 20+ goals and 10+ assists in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
And his name is not Lionel Messi.
The man in question is Napoli forward Dries Mertens.
According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Arsenal were keen on signing the Belgian star in the summer but failed in their pursuit.
The 30-year-old penned a new contract with Napoli, extending his stay until 2020.
However, a £26.5million release clause can be activated from the beginning of 2018.
Ever since Mertens was converted from a winger to a centre-forward, he’s become genuinely world-class.
And with the Neymar saga having inflated transfer fees to an all-time high across the continent, this release clause could mean a club is about to land the bargain of the decade.
He may be 30-years-old but on current form, few clubs would turn down the chance to snap up Mertens for less that £30m.
The Gunners will be particularly interested given Alexis Sanchez’s current stance.
Mertens may choose to remain loyal to league-leaders Napoli of course.
Maurizio Sarri has the Serie A club playing arguably the most attractive football in Europe right now.
Whatever the case, this is definitely a situation to keep an eye on.
