Arsenal have stepped-up their plans for the summer transfer window in recent weeks. Despite the almighty performances this season, the Gunners found themselves with a predicament they were fully aware of in August.
Mikel Arteta's men have led the way in the Premier League table for the majority of the season but for the first time, their own destiny is out of their hands following the 4-1 loss to Manchester City.
No matter what the outcome is in the final month of the season, the Gunners’ actions in the summer will have to be of the highest quality. The defeat to Man City was the perfect evidence to highlight the gap between the two sides, pointing to their lack of squad depth.
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Arsenal have also joined the race for Chelsea's Mason Mount. The playmaker is approaching the final 12 months of his contract on the blue side of London but has remained locked into talks with Todd Boehly over a new deal.
However, no deal has been finalised and clubs continued to monitor his situation, with Manchester United and Liverpool keeping tabs.
Premier League experience and a Champions League title to his name, Mount is an attractive asset for the Gunners to consider. With that being said, football.london looks at three ways Arteta could line his team up with the England international.
Xhaka replacement
Granit Xhaka has endured a tremendous season in north London, forcing himself as one of Arteta's undroppables in the No.8 role. However, in recent weeks, the Swiss midfielder's form has taken a slight dip.
Recent reports have claimed that Xhaka could be sold in the summer, with the Gunners said to be prepared to listen to offers for him. A considerable transfer fee would need to be offered for a deal to be sanctioned, but Mount could be the perfect replacement.
Even if Xhaka is not sold, having Mount as healthy competition is exactly what Arsenal need. His off-the-ball attributes would compliment the Gunners' midfield trio well, with his nuance to pick up pockets in between the lines dangerous for others.
XI: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko; Partey, Mount, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Jesus.
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Odegaard competition
The key reason for Arsenal's necessity for further bodies in Arteta's squad is the lack of quality off the bench. Captain Martin Odegaard, like the majority of the squad, have been excellent this season, but there has been no serious competition.
Fabio Vieira's summer arrival was clearly one for the future, with the Portuguese showing glimpses of quality throughout the season. But Mount's arrival would add additional quality through the ranks and give Arteta an option off the bench like Man City had with the likes of Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez and Julian Alvarez.
For Chelsea, Mount has scored 33 and assisted a further 37 assists in a wide range of positions. It's difficult to see any downfalls with Mount's arrival.
XI: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Mount; Saka, Martinelli, Jesus.
Front three plan
Despite possessing a prolific goalscorer, only Man City have scored more goals - by only four. The goals have been evenly shared throughout Arteta's squad, with Gabriel Martinelli (15), Bukayo Saka (13) and Odegaard (12) their three top scorers.
Some have pointed to their lack of clinical edge in the final third as the main downfall to their failure to see out games against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton. However, the stats do not lie and the Gunners have been dangerous all season - failing to score in only four games in all competitions.
Spending big on a new striker seems unlikely, with various positions requiring attention. One idea that Arteta could look to use is pushing Martinelli further up into the number 9 position and have Mount join Saka in the wide areas. The Englishman has experience in a more advanced role, with his playmaker traits making him a dangerous asset in the final third.
XI: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Mount, Martinelli.
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