Arsenal have reportedly identified Napoli forward Dries Mertens as a transfer target ahead of the January window.

With Mikel Arteta having just been appointed as the successor to Unai Emery, the Spaniard is now expected to put together a shortlist of potential additions.

According to Il Mattino, Mertens could be provided with the opportunity to leave Naples for the Emirates Stadium.

The Belgium international has just over six months remaining on his contract, with the 32-year-old said to be against extending his stay at the Serie A outfit.

The report suggests that Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring the situation, leaving Napoli to consider whether to cash in on one of their star men.

Manchester United are also said to be interested in signing Mertens on a free transfer in the summer.