Arsenal are following Dries Mertens in the hope of a free transfer this summer, as contract talks stall with his current club Napoli.

Il Mattino report that a month after their previous meetings, Napoli and Mertens still haven’t agreed on a contract extension, opening the door for the likes of Arsenal and Atletico Madrid. Manchester United join the Gunners in following him ‘with interest’ recently.

La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claim Napoli believed they had an agreement already. However, after their meeting with Mertens’ representatives, they didn’t ever get the go-ahead.

Instead, Mertens came back to them with complaints about fines and emergency pay cuts. His agency are now looking at other options for the upcoming transfer window. Once again, the outlet name Arsenal specifically as an interested party.

Mertens’ current deal expires this summer. He’s having a good season, scoring 12 and assisting six in 29 appearances, including seven goal contributions in seven games in the Champions League. At 32, you probably wouldn’t spend a big fee on him, though.

On a free, it’s much more credible for Arsenal. The Gunners do lack experienced options outside Lacazette and Aubameyang, either of whom could leave this summer.

Plus, Arsenal’s financial situation may push them towards free transfers. The coronavirus situation and the uncertainly around the end of the season make it hard to predict how much money they’ll have.