Second source confirms Arsenal talks over Liverpool-busting Chelsea raid that could oust one of Arteta’s best players

Chelsea midfielders Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount

Arsenal are confirmed to have held talks with a Chelsea midfielder also wanted by Liverpool, and a report has claimed one of Mikel Arteta’s most trusted players could be prematurely axed to make room.

A mass exodus of players is hotly anticipated at Stamford Bridge this summer. Chelsea’s colossal outlay over the last two transfer windows will prompt something of a firesale. The lack of Champions League revenue next season will further increase the need to trim their squad down to a more manageable size.

Among the most high profile players who could depart is Chelsea’s back-to-back and reigning Blues player of the year, Mason Mount.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and Todd Boehly is adopting a sterner approach to his playing personnel.

Boehly cannot afford to let highly saleable assets leave for free moving forwards. As such, players who are entering the final two years of their deals – which Mount already has – will be sold if a contract extension isn’t likely.

Mount is courting widespread interest from the Premier League’s elite. Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal have all shown an interest. From further afield, Thomas Tuchel is receptive to a reunion with Mount at Bayern Munich.

Liverpool’s need for midfield reinforcements is by far and away the greatest of the quartet of suitors. However, a cross-London move to Arsenal is seemingly gathering pace.

The Telegraph recently reported Arsenal had held ‘exploratory talks’ with Mount. A fresh update from Goal confirms talks have indeed been held, though they also highlight a key role Mount would take if moving to the Emirates.

The Daily Mail reported last week Arsenal are ‘prepared to listen to offers’ for senior midfielder, Granit Xhaka.

The 30-year-old is one of Arsenal’s leaders and has thrived in more of a box-to-box role in midfield this term.

However, Goal double down on the claim Xhaka could depart, stating Arteta must find a long-term replacement sooner rather than later and Mount could be that man.

In the event Mount were to be brought to north London, Arsenal would be emboldened to sever ties with Xhaka in the same window as opposed to delaying the inevitable.

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