Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Man United star's Arsenal transfer snub ahead of US friendly
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta kept his cards close to his chest when asked about his efforts to sign now-Manchester United star Mason Mount during the summer transfer window.
According to transfer guru David Ornstein, the Gunners wanted to sign Mount before pivoting to former Chelsea teammate Kai Havertz when the England international made it clear he wanted to join 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.
The National even claimed that Arteta wasn’t only an admirer of the talented playmaker, he thought the player would sign for his side and stay in London before a move to Old Trafford eventually materialised. The Spaniard's side face the Red Devils and Mount this evening in a pre-season friendly and ahead of the game, he was asked about his pursuit of the 24-year-old.
«We are so happy with the players that we’ve signed and the players that we’ve got in our squad,» Arteta replied, remaining as coy as ever. The aforementioned Havertz will be hoping to make his first start for Arsenal tonight having made two appearances from the bench already this summer, against Nurnberg and the MLS All-Stars.
In the game against the All-Stars, the German international netted a stunning goal, chesting down a cross from Marquinhos before firing a half-volley into the back of the net. “He gives us something very different with his quality and size as well, when you have to beat the press for example and use him as a target man,” Arteta said regarding Havertz after the full-time whistle.
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“So, we will
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