Arsenal tipped to follow Declan Rice transfer with ‘fantastic Mount signing’

Arsenal have been backed to follow the signing of Declan Rice with the purchase of his close friend Mason Mount. Gunners legend Alan Smith believes both players would be “fantastic” players for his former club.

Rice is the top target for Arsenal heading into the summer transfer window. However, Mount is also a player linked with a move across London.

West Ham will allow Rice to leave if they receive a fee of up to £120million. Mount, meanwhile, may have played his final game for Chelsea, with his contract set to expire in 2024.

Manchester United and Liverpool are strong admirers of Mount, while Arsenal are reported to be keeping an eye on his situation. Mount and Rice became best friends during their time together at Chelsea before the latter was released at the age of 14.

They are still close pals and are often inseparable when away on international duty with England. Smith believes Arsenal would be the perfect destination for Rice, claiming Mikel Arteta’s side are close to turning their promise into trophy success.

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And he reckons it would be great to see Mount follow him through the doors at the Emirates. Smith said on Sky Sports News: “I think it would be a great move for [Rice].

“Arsenal are on the cusp of big things, I think, I hope. Who knows? Maybe Mason Mount will come across from Chelsea as well, they’re big buddies, came through the academy at Chelsea together.

“That would be a plus point for both of them really, they would be two fantastic signings. But I think Arsenal might just be in the box seat in terms of getting him and that would be a great coup.”

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is reported to have spoken to Rice regarding a possible summer move to the Bundesliga club. But Smith reckons Rice would rather stay in England than move abroad.

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He added: “I can’t get into the mind of Declan but I think that maybe he would prefer to stay in the Premier League. Listen, the Premier League without being biased is the best league in the world.

“It is where most players these days want to be. So I would imagine he’d want to play for one of the big clubs.

“He’s a London lad, a move to Arsenal wouldn’t be too turbulent for him, it would be very easy I think. Bayern have got money to spend, they can offer him a very nice contract package, so it would then be up to him.

“I would hazard a guess that he would prefer to stay in this country.”

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