Door left wide open for Arsenal as Newcastle, Man City drop out of race for top Prem playmaker

Both Manchester City and Newcastle United are planning to opt against signing Mason Mount, giving Arsenal a clearer shot for the snare.

Interest in Mount has been ramping up of late. Indeed, a number of big Premier League sides have been touted with a move for the Englishman.

Obviously, Arsenal, City and Newcastle are on that list. Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the Englishman, amid their struggles this campaign.

There are a few key reasons a number of sides are keen on Mount. Firstly, he’s been one of Chelsea’s most influential assets during his time as a senior player.

He’s been a mainstay of the side for almost four seasons, racking up 33 goals and 37 assists in that time. The attacking-midfielder’s best campaign came last season, when he scored 13 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions.

While this season has been a blip – Mount has been directly involved in nine goals – the Blues have not been close to their best, so the whole side have suffered.

That suffering might be set to continue – another reason for interest in Mount. Indeed, he’s nearing the end of his deal, and negotiations were paused following little progress in February, with the star wanting to be paid in line with new signings.

While reports in mid-April suggested Chelsea ‘believe they can convince’ their star into signing a new deal, it remains to be seen how that ends for them.

Top pair drop out of race

It shouldn’t be a difficult snare for any side if Mount doesn’t pen a new deal. With just a year left on his contract come the end of the season, the Blues would surely have to sell now, given the chance it represents to receive a good fee.

The pursuit seems to have become even easier for some sides, too. Football Insider reports both Man City and Newcastle have ‘ruled themselves out’ of the race to sign Mount.

Indeed, the former are said to be set on ‘strengthening their squad in other areas of the pitch’. It’s unsurprising they’d not want to go after Mount, with Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne just some of the players operating in similar areas.

Meanwhile, Newcastle reportedly feel the asking price for Mount will be ‘too high’ given the length left on his contract.

Football Insider suggests it’ll be Arsenal battling it out with Liverpool for the Englishman.

Arsenal on top but not in the clear

That the Gunners are currently title contenders means they should be on top. At the moment, the prospect of playing for the north London outfit is surely a better one than playing for Liverpool, though that could well change by next season.

However, Arsenal will have a big decision to make over Mount. Alongside the Chelsea star, they’ve been touted with a move for his good friend Declan Rice.

Transfer insider David Ornstein has revealed Mikel Arteta’s side will only have the funds to sign one.

As such, they’ll have to carefully consider who could have the biggest impact on their side going forwards. The right move could well keep them fighting for Premier League titles over the next few seasons.

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