Arsenal 'hold talks over signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount' this summer

Arsenal have reportedly opened talks over signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer.

Mount, 24, is out of contract with Chelsea in 2024 and talks have stalled over a new deal for the England international.

Mount is currently one of the lowest-paid senior players at Stamford Bridge and wants a salary similar to his England teammates.

But Chelsea are unwilling to meet his reported wage demands of around £250,000 per week.

Mount has already rejected the offer of a new deal with the Blues, and little progress has been made in the contract negotiations.

While Chelsea are keen to keep Mount, they may be forced to sell him this summer – rather than losing him on a free transfer next year.

Several clubs are believed to be interested in signing Mount, including Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle and Bayern Munich.

Arsenal hold talks over signing Mount

GOAL claim Arsenal have now entered the race to sign the midfielder, who has been described as an "exceptional" player by England manager Gareth Southgate.

While it is claimed that Declan Rice remains Arsenal's No 1 midfield target in the summer transfer window, Mount is viewed as a back-up option should they fail to sign the West Ham captain.

"Talks have taken place over the 24-year-old England international's availability," wrote GOAL journalist Charlie Watts.

"Liverpool are believed to be pushing hard for the attacker, but Arsenal are keeping close tabs on the situation, with Mount's ability to operate in a number of positions across the final third seen as an appealing option as they look to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts."

Chelsea are believed to be seeking as much as £70m for Mount this summer, despite him only having one year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge.

Mount has kept tight-lipped about his future while his contract negotiations with Chelsea are ongoing.

"I have always been so focused on my football since I was in the academy,” Mount told The Evening Standard in November.

"I know now there is a lot more media focus on me, but I do not look too much into that. I block it out."