Why Manchester United should make a move for Napoli’s Dries Mertens
As per Gazetto Dello Sport (h/t Evening Standard), Manchester United have joined the race to sign Napoli forward Dries Mertens once his contract with the Italian outfit comes to an end in the summer.
Mertens, 32, who enjoyed two productive seasons with PSV Eindhoven, moved to Napoli in the summer of 2013. Since his arrival in Italy, he has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe and has established himself with the Serie A outfit.
In 311 appearances for Napoli, Mertens has racked up 121 goals and 73 assists, and has helped his club lift the Italian Cup and the Italian Super Cup. And with his contract coming to an end in June, Manchester United should look to sign him on a free transfer.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a brilliant second-half of the campaign after Ole Solskjaer decided to sign Bruno Fernandes in January. They haven’t lost any of their last 11 games and in the process, they have scored 29 goals and conceded only twice.
The attacking unit has been boosted by the presence of on-loan striker Odion Ighalo, while the likes of Daniel James and Anthony Martial have also done a decent job. United also have Marcus Rashford, who had been in a terrific form before he got injured.
However, with Ighalo only on loan at the club, it is necessary for Solskjaer to bring in reinforcements in the centre-forward department. Martial has been in good form in recent weeks but he has the tendency to switch off in tougher games and therefore, the manager should bring in someone who can give competition to the former Monaco man.
In that case, Napoli’s Dries Mertens would be a good option for the club as he is one of the most experienced forwards in Europe and is a proven goalscorer.
The Belgian international has been in scintillating form for both club and country over the past few years. Last season, he bagged 16 goals and 10 assists for the Serie A outfit and has continued with the good run of form this term, having already racked up 6 goals and 5 assists in the league.
Mertens would definitely bring in the spark to United’s attacking unit and can also provide them with much-needed extra goals if he joins Solskjaer’s side. He has made 562 career appearances so far and his experience would be valuable to the young United side.
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Verdict
At 32, the former Eindhoven man doesn’t seem to slow down and his inclusion would certainly add flair to the Red Devils attack, whilst bringing healthy competition. Thus, United should make sure they get their hands on Mertens in the summer.
