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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2. On the cheap – potentially

The only reason we’re entertaining this possibility is because of Mount’s current discontent. Chelsea want to tie down the midfielder for the long haul, but the England international isn’t happy with the terms offered by the club.

Talks have reached an impasse, and with the player’s current deal expiring in 2024, it’s looking increasingly likely that Mount will depart this summer.

Liverpool are said to be keen, and a move to Anfield looks great on paper. However, Arsenal would be wise to at least test the waters. With Mount entering his final year on his contract, Chelsea’s hand will be forced in any potential negotiations. They can’t sell for an extortionate fee, and any potential suitor might be able to snap Mount up for a bargain price in the context of the current market.

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3. Stealing from the Blues

Chelsea have been oh so willing to let their cast-offs depart for the Emirates, and very rarely have such moves paid off for the Gunners. Jorginho, though, may well be bucking that trend following his bright start to life in north London.

Previous deals suggest negotiating with Chelsea isn’t impossible, but the last thing the west Londoners would want is to sell Mount, a former academy star, to Arsenal. Stealing a precocious young(ish) talent off the Blues’ books would be sweet.

We’ll call it revenge for all those previous dealings.

At this stage, there is no suggestion Arsenal will make a move for Mount this summer, but it’s a deal that makes sense from a footballing, financial, and bragging rights perspective.