Charles Watts has claimed that Emile Smith Rowe could be key in Arsenal securing a summer transfer deal for Chelsea star, Mason Mount.
There is every chance that Mason Mount heads for the Stamford Bridge exit door and Watts added that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, alongside Manchester United and Liverpool, are ‘very interested’ in the player and ‘they have spoken’.
But, with Emile Smith Rowe’s future also up in the air at the Emirates, then Goal correspondent Watts thinks, the Hale-End academy product being taken off the wage bill might open that Mount door, as he told Arsenal news from the press box.
Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his midfield, and whilst there is talk about Ilkay Gundogan, a player of Mount’s experience and skill set being added to the north London club’s roster would enhance their chances of winning the Premier League title next season.
There are some close to Chelsea who have been left ‘saddened’ by the possible increasing scenario that Mount could leave – he has come through the club’s system since he was a young kid.
But, before anything can go to the next level, in terms of negotiations, it seems as though Arsenal need to do some clearing up from within.
“There is a lot of talk, at the moment, about Manchester United making a move for Mason Mount,” said Watts. “It’s an interesting development. Liverpool very, very keen on Mason Mount and Arsenal as well, so another club in the mix there.
“Chelsea want around £80 million. I can’t imagine they are going to get £80 million for a player that has got one year left on his contract. Even though he is 24 and an England international.
“It will be interesting to see if Manchester United do make a move for Mount and whether Arsenal try to counter that and make an offer themselves. They are very interested. They have spoken. They have had talks about it. But nothing has gone in, as of yet.
“I wonder if something needs to happen with Emile Smith Rowe first, before you sign a Mason Mount. Or to try and sign a Mason Mount. Do you need to get players out before you bring players in? If you bring in Mount, for example, and you can’t get Smith Rowe out, then you are stuck with two very similar players.”
SMITH ROWE SHOULD LEAVE ARSENAL
The ball-carrying expert is a popular figure with the Arsenal faithful because he is one of their own, but it’s high time he now left.
During the crunch moments of the season, as his side needed the points to cling onto their lead at the top of the Premier League table, for several games, Smith Rowe was hardly used by Arteta.
He has only managed 146 minutes this term and 99 since the turn of the year, which is pretty telling because he has been back fit for a while now.
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