Arsenal ‘step up’ summer plans as Chelsea star wanted by Liverpool is ‘discussed’ by Arteta, Edu
Arsenal have reportedly made Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount a summer target with Liverpool and Newcastle United also keen.
Mount is being targeted by several Premier League clubs with his future at Stamford Bridge cast in doubt.
The England international has rejected several contract offers from the Blues – who are reportedly willing to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for nothing in 2024.
Arsenal are in the market for a new midfielder and have made West Ham’s Declan Rice their top priority ahead of the summer transfer window.
With a return to the Champions League around the corner, Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his squad and director of football Edu is already laying the groundwork for what promises to be a busy summer.
Competition for Mount is expected to be fierce with Liverpool desperately seeking midfield reinforcements.
The 24-year-old would be an ideal signing for the Reds and his style of play would help him slot right into Jurgen Klopp’s midfield.
Despite the level of interest in the player and the fact Mount’s long-time friend Rice is their top target, the Chelsea youth graduate is being ‘discussed’ at Arsenal.
The Gunners are ‘stepping up’ their plans for the summer window and are now ‘monitoring Mount’s position at Chelsea’.
It is noted that a win against Southampton on Friday night would see Arsenal mathematically qualify for next season’s Champions League and Arteta thinks Mount – who won the competition in 2021 – can help his side compete in Europe.
Mount is ‘expected to leave’ the Stamford Bridge club at the end of the season with Liverpool, Newcastle, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United all interested, Watts adds.
Chelsea are ‘looking to cash in’ on the English midfielder as Todd Boehly attempts to ‘balance the books’ following two windows of heavy spending.
Arsenal are keeping ‘close tabs’ on his situation, though Liverpool are ‘pushing hard’ to bring Mount to Anfield.
Mount is particularly ‘appealing’ as he can ‘operate in a number of positions across the final third’.
Granit Xhaka has been brilliant under Arteta, though he is a player the Spanish manager should probably look to replace, and Mount would fit very nicely into the Swiss’ central midfield role.
Xhaka has shown great improvement in the final third and has can get up and down the pitch with and without the ball, with Mount a player who would excel under similar instructions.
As well as the ability to chip in with goals while contributing defensively, the Chelsea man would make any side a bigger threat from set-pieces.
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