Atletico Madrid have reportedly entered the race for Napoli star Dries Mertens after learning that he has snubbed the chance to extend his contract.

The Belgium international's deal expires in the summer and he is not short of potential suitors.

Arsenal, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Everton and several teams in China are said to have concrete interest in the forward.

Atletico Madrid reportedly want Napoli star Dries Mertens after he rejected a new contract

Clubs outside of Italy are able to sign him for a cut-price £8.5million in the first 10 days of the January window due to a clause in his contract.

And according to AS, Atletico are keen to exploit that as they have intentions to sign a forward next month.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani is understood to be Diego Simeone's No 1 target but Mertens has been identified as a potential alternative along with Cedric Bakambu, Krzysztof Piatek, Paco Alcacer and Patrick Cutrone.

The Belgian has been identified as an alternative for PSG striker Edinson Cavani (pictured)

The 32-year-old has been prolific after the last few seasons and has managed to strike nine times this term in a struggling Napoli side.

New Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is believed to be a huge fan of Mertens and will hope to strengthen in January following another disappointing defeat against Chelsea at the weekend.

Mertens, who has previously expressed a desire to remain in Italy, is yet to clarify his next move but is expected to leave Napoli at the end of the season if he doesn't sign for another club next month.