Liverpool are still the “favourites” to sign Mason Mount despite fresh claims that Arsenal have entered the race for the Chelsea midfielder’s signature, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners are said to be keeping tabs on the England international’s situation but, if the player does choose to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, Romano says Anfield is his likeliest destination:

“Despite reported interest from Arsenal in Mason Mount, Liverpool remain the favourites for the Blues midfielder, as they consider Mount one of their top priorities for the summer transfer window. But it all depends on Chelsea new deal negotiations and also their manager situation. I think it’s not about Champions League football, it’s about the project. The real timing for Mount decision will be May/June, not now.”

There have been plenty of rumours about Mount preferring a switch to Liverpool and, while Romano doesn’t make that assertion, he does suggest that the Reds have already put in the groundwork to get a deal done.

As Romano says, Mount may still sign a contract extension at Chelsea, although that looks less and less likely with every passing week. If he does decide to leave at the end of the season, it appears Jurgen Klopp’s side have the edge over Arsenal, and other interested teams, which is slightly surprising considering where they currently sit in the table.