3 reasons why Arsenal should make a move for Mason Mount this summer

Granit Xhaka’s renaissance has been one of the many feel-good stories surrounding Arsenal Football Club this season. 

Xhaka’s resurgence was teased towards the backend of 2021/22 and fully realised throughout the first half of the current campaign he transitioned into a more advanced role in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

The Swiss midfielder endured a blip after returning from the World Cup, but his form has once again picked up in recent weeks and he’s continued to show why he’s valued so highly by the boss. Only four outfielders have racked up more Premier League minutes for the Gunners than Xhaka (2,300) this term.

However, in regards to Arsenal’s left-sided #8, Xhaka is not the endgame. In fact, he’s merely the starting point. The Gunners must continue to evolve throughout Arteta’s project which renders two midfield additions imperative this summer.

Further competition is needed for Thomas Partey at the base of midfield, and another dynamic option will be required to potentially usurp Xhaka.

A possibility, albeit an unlikely one, has emerged in the form of Chelsea’s Mason Mount who could depart his boyhood club this summer amid a contract dispute.

3 reasons why Arsenal should make a move for Mason Mount this summer

Liverpool have supposedly registered an interest in the England international, and here are three reasons why Arsenal should be keen, too.

1. Systematic fit

What does Arteta want from his left-sided central midfielder? Well, they must be comfortable receiving between the lines, happy to rotate out wide, combine smartly with those in close proximity, make penetrating runs in behind, and enter the box as much as possible.

That’s just covering some aspects of Arteta’s demands in possession!

It’s a multi-faceted role that Xhaka has performed well this season, but he isn’t the most natural fit for the function. He lacks subtlety in and around the box, and he’s certainly not the most dynamic or athletic of midfielders.

While Mount may lack Xhaka’s leadership and robustness, he’s a gifted technician and a crafty customer in the opposition’s third. The Englishman’s super intelligent without the ball, and he’s proven himself to be mightily productive during his time at Chelsea. He’s notched 49 Premier League goal contributions since he made his Premier League debut in August 2019.

His form has taken somewhat of a turn this season, but there’s no doubt that Mount has the ingredients to thrive in Arteta’s left half-space. He’d be a distinct upgrade in possession, and Arsenal would gain another reliable producer in the final third.

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