Not Declan Rice Nor Caicedo – Arteta could rival Odegaard in Arsenal swoop for £60m Premier League “Superstar”
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Arsenal are gearing up for a busy summer as they aim to reinforce their squad following a disappointing end to the 2022/23 season.
While Mikel Arteta’s side enjoyed several positives throughout the campaign, a lackluster run of form in the final two months dashed their hopes of clinching their first Premier League title since 2004.
The main culprit behind Arsenal’s downfall was their lack of squad depth, exacerbated by key injuries in defense. The absence of suitable replacements made the latter stages of the season increasingly challenging for the Gunners.
As they prepare for the summer transfer window, attention is now turning to potential signings that can bolster the team, with one name standing out in the capital city.
Recent reports suggest that Arsenal is among the clubs interested in Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount. According to Charles Watts at GOAL, the Gunners have been linked with the 24-year-old, and talks were said to be held regarding his uncertain future at Stamford Bridge.
SunSport has since claimed that Mount is expected to depart Chelsea in the summer, with Arsenal and Liverpool closely monitoring his movements. The potential transfer fee is estimated to be around £60 million.
Mason Mount’s arrival at Arsenal would address the team’s need for squad depth, whether to increase the numbers or intensify competition among players. Having a talented and competitive squad is crucial, particularly for a team aiming to compete in the Champions League.
At just 24 years old, Mount’s experience of winning major trophies such as the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and UEFA Super Cup could prove invaluable for the Gunners.
The Portsmouth-born midfielder has received high praise from Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand, who described him as a “mad player” during an interview on Vibe with FIVE. Mount’s proficiency on the ball, demonstrated by his impressive finishing and passing abilities, has been evident throughout his time in the Premier League.
His numbers back up his talent, with FBref data showing that he ranks in the top 9% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes, averaging 6.04 per 90 minutes. This statistic highlights his desire to move the ball forward into advanced areas.
In addition to his offensive strengths, Mount excels off the ball, showcasing his versatility in attacking midfield. He averages 2.07 tackles per 90 minutes, as per FBref, which further underlines his contributions beyond just creativity. While Martin Odegaard has been impressive for Arsenal this season, scoring 15 league goals, healthy competition within the squad is vital for a team that aspires to challenge at the top.
Mount’s arrival could provide the necessary competition to elevate Odegaard’s performance. Although the two players occupy similar positions, they bring contrasting attributes to the table.
Mount’s defensive contributions, with an average of 1.06 tackles per 90 minutes, as compared to Odegaard’s, further highlight the added dimension he would bring to Arsenal’s midfield.
Despite his limited game time for Chelsea during their difficult campaign this season, Mount has received praise from some of the best players in the world. Kylian Mbappe, in an interview with France Football, hailed him as “superb.”
A player who has been short on minutes and confidence can rediscover their top form when given the right environment that suits their style of play. There is little doubt that Mount would be a strong fit for Arteta’s plans.
As Mount has yet to accept a new contract at Chelsea, it remains to be seen whether he will head northbound in search of a fresh challenge. The upcoming weeks will provide clarity on whether this creative player will don the Arsenal jersey and further strengthen the Gunners’ ambitions for the upcoming season.
