Ornstein: Arsenal wanted Mason Mount before turning attention to Chelsea forward

David Ornstein reveals Arsenal’s earlier interest in signing Mason Mount before shifting their focus to Kai Havertz

(h/t Football.London), Transfer expert David Ornstein has disclosed that before turning their attention to Kai Havertz, Arsenal had an interest in signing Mason Mount.

The midfielder’s future at Chelsea is becoming more uncertain as he nears a transfer to Manchester United, while the former Bayern Leverkusen attacker is being pursued by Arsenal.

As of now, Chelsea have rejected the opening offers from both United and Arsenal for Mount and Havertz, respectively. Although Chelsea are willing to sell Havertz, if he manages to stay, they will want him to extend his deal with the team.

The England international, whose contract expires in 2024, has shown no intention of extending it, despite the Blues’ desire to keep him.

Both Chelsea players had a disappointing season, with Mount playing in far fewer games than the German international, who played as a striker and scored just seven goals in 47 appearances.

Chelsea have a long summer ahead of them as they try to make sales and whittle down their squad for next season. They are also looking to sign a top-tier striker and strengthen their midfield.

Both Mount and the former Bayern Leverkusen forward have an unresolved future at Chelsea, and both are likely to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer window if Chelsea accept the bids of Manchester United and Arsenal.

The departure of Havertz shouldn’t be a problem given he had three years to settle at Chelsea but hasn’t really found his best position. But Mount’s exit will certainly have an impact on midfield as he has come from the academy and has been important ever since he started playing for the senior team.

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On the other hand, midfielders such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek may leave for AC Milan, while Mateo Kovacic is close to joining Manchester City. It is important to trim the squad but we have to realise that we must have players from the pre-Graham Potter era to have some continuity. Mount and Havertz (both 24) can still be important for us.

But if we are to sell them, we must accept fees that truly reflect their value and aid our search for top players in other positions.