Mikel Arteta 'was convinced Man Utd signing Mason Mount would join Arsenal'

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta fully expected to Mason Mount to join the club this summer, it has been claimed.

Mount, 24, put rival Premier League clubs on red alert last year when it emerged that he had turned down a contract offer at boyhood team Chelsea.

That rejection forced Chelsea to consider selling Mount this summer with the player entering the final 12 months of his deal at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United all made contact over a deal for the England international, while German giants Bayern Munich were also linked with the midfielder.

After Liverpool and Bayern ended their interest, it left Arsenal and United as the only remaining options for Mount.

While Arsenal initially appeared to be in pole position to sign Mount, United eventually moved ahead of the Gunners.

And on Wednesday, Erik ten Hag's side completed a deal for the England star, who signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further year.

Arteta 'expected to sign Mount'

United reporter Andy Mitten claims Arsenal boss Arteta expected to sign Mount before the Reds Devils entered the race.

"Mikel Arteta wasn't only an admirer, he thought Mount would sign for Arsenal and stay in London," Mitten wrote in The National News.

Mitten claims United manager Ten Hag was a "major factor" in convincing Mount to move to Manchester.

"The Dutchman spoke in detail with the 24-year-old England international about how he could help develop him as a player," wrote Mitten.

"He talked about the different positions which he could play - and at the top level too. They had common ground."

Former Utrecht and Ajax boss Ten Hag first watched Mount play six years ago when the midfielder was on loan at Vitesse Arnhem.

He will now join up with the Dutch manager at United after becoming the club's first signing of the summer window.

Mount could make his non-competitive debut for United when they face Leeds in their opening pre-season friendly on July 12.

Ten Hag's side will take on Wolves in their first game of the new Premier League season on August 14.