Arsenal's first signing of the summer transfer window was unveiled last week, with Kai Havertz joining in a £65million deal from Chelsea.
But things could easily have panned out very differently, with the Gunners having been interested in one of Havertz's former teammates, Mason Mount. According to transfer guru David Ornstein, the Gunners initially wanted Mount before pivoting to Havertz when the England international made it clear he wanted to join Manchester United instead.
"Arsenal initially targeted Mason Mount, but once it emerged that his preference is to join Manchester United, the focus shifted to Kai Havertz", Ornstein said last month. Now, The National have claimed that Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wasn’t only an admirer of the player, he thought Mount would sign for his side and stay in London before a move to United eventually materialised.
Liverpool were also said to be keen on the 24-year-old, with Jurgen Klopp a huge fan of the player. But Mount chose Old Trafford over the Emirates and Anfield as United manager Erik ten Hag proved to be a deciding factor.
football.london understands that Chelsea and the Red Devils have an agreement in place worth around £60million for Mount. It's believed that United will pay Chelsea £55m, plus a further £5m in add-ons.
After completing a medical at Carrington training ground and tying up any loose ends, the talented midfielder recorded a video message for the Blues fanbase, thanking them for all their support. "Given the speculation over the last six months this may not come as a surprise to you, but it doesn't make it any easier to tell you I have made the decision to leave Chelsea," said the Cobham graduate.
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"I thought you deserved more than just a written statement, so I wanted to tell you directly how grateful I have been for all of your support over the last 18 years. I know some of you won't be happy with my decision but it's what is right for me at this moment in my career.
"I joined Chelsea when I was six years old and we have been through a lot together, winning the Youth Cup, my Player of the Year awards, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and of course the unforgettable night when we won the Champions League... wish you all the best."
