Mason Mount is leaning towards joining Manchester United if he leaves Chelsea, and Arsenal are reportedly aware of that preference.

Arsenal transfers - Chelsea's English midfielder Mason Mount (C) reacts after they concede their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 26, 2023.(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s English midfielder Mason Mount (C) reacts after they concede their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 26, 2023. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Athletic report that if Mason Mount decides to leave Chelsea this summer, he favours a move to Manchester United over the alternatives.

Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Arsenal are among Mount’s potential suitors, according to the claims, and they’re aware of his preference for United.

But there are many factors still at play here. For a start, Mount might decide to extend his contract with Chelsea, with Mauricio Pochettino keen to keep the midfielder around.

Then United have to agree on a deal with Chelsea, amid uncertainty over their ownership situation, and other transfer priorities to focus on.

Reports in recent days have suggested that United are planning a £55m bid for Mount, but Chelsea want significantly more than that.

The Blues are reportedly looking for £85m to sell, so it may be difficult for the two clubs to reach a compromise.

Arsenal transfers - LONDON, ENGLAND: Mason Mount of Chelsea applauds the fans after their side's defeat in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2023. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Mason Mount of Chelsea applauds the fans after their side’s defeat in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2023. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Even so, it doesn’t seem particularly likely that Arsenal would be willing to meet those demands either.

The Gunners have big plans for the summer window, and using up such a huge chunk of their budget on Mount would be pretty prohibitive when it comes to chasing key targets like Declan Rice.

Mount is a 24-year-old established Premier League player and England international preparing to enter his peak years, but he’s also on a deal only lasting until 2024 and refusing to extend.

To pay £85m for one year of a player’s contract is a high price.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Mason Mount of Chelsea in action with Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Southampton during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Mason Mount of Chelsea in action with Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Southampton during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported throughout this month that there’s a sense around Arsenal that a creative midfield addition is necessary this summer.

Mount is one of the options on the list, as well as the likes of Mohammed Kudus of Ajax.

If Chelsea are holding out for a ridiculous price and United are Mount’s preferred destination anyway, Arsenal may want to look to their other targets.