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Arsenal have identified Chelsea player Mason Mount as a midfield target during the summer transfer window.
Mount's contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire next summer and talks over an extension haven't progressed well. It has been reported that he is in a standoff with the Blues as he is keen to secure a £200,000-per-week salary package.
While Chelsea remain hopeful that their youth product will extend his stay at the club, several teams, notably Liverpool and Manchester United, are tracking the contract negotiations.
The Athletic's journalist David Ornstein has now reported that Arsenal are keen on securing Mount's signature at the end of the 2022-23 season. Mikel Arteta's desire to bolster the Gunners' midfield has been strengthened by the prospect of Granit Xhaka's exit this summer.
Mount has been identified as a target as Arteta wants to add creativity in a more advanced position. The report states:
"They also want to add creativity in a more advanced position and that has fuelled the pursuit of Mason Mount — although there is strong competition from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Chelsea will make a final push to extend his terms, which are scheduled to expire in 2024."
The report also states that West Ham United captain Declan Rice, who is one of Mount's best friends, is another player Arsenal will look to sign when the transfer window opens.
Nigel Winterburn backs Arsenal to push Manchester City for Premier League title next season
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has stated that the Gunners will be in the Premier League title race next season.
The north London club looked to be on course to win the league title this season, but fell short in the end as they couldn't keep pace with Manchester City. Despite the setback, Winterburn has backed Mikel Arteta's men to learn from their experience in 2022-23 and make a title charge once again.
He told The Daily Star:
"They've proved that they can do it this season, so why shouldn't they be able to go again and do it next season? They've built up so much confidence and another season of similar results and experience gained by the younger players I think will serve the team well."
