Mason Mount is one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe this summer with his Chelsea contract expiring next year, with Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich all interested
Mason Mount's future at Chelsea looks increasingly in doubt as Manchester United step up their interest in the two-time Blues player of the year. Mount is attracting interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, United and Bayern Munich ahead of the summer transfer window.
football.london understands on multiple occasions between the end of January and the start of February the Blues wanted to extend Mount's contract and see his salary increase. However, that was not of interest to the player, with a one-year deal on offer.
United are yet to make an official offer for Mount, but senior figures at Old Trafford have begun discussions with Chelsea and made clear their desire to sign the England international. With that being said, football.london rounds up the reported interest and the latest on his contract situation.
Mount final bid
Manchester United are preparing one final bid for Chelsea star Mason Mount this summer, which must be taken or the side will move on to other targets. That's according to the Mirror, which claims that the Red Devils are eyeing a £50million offer, which falls short of the Blues' £70million valuation.
United aren't keen to pay the extra £20million due to the midfielder's contract entering the final year, leading to an ultimatum for the hierarchy,
Mount opens up on future
Mason Mount remained coy on transfer speculation when asked about what was to come next this summer at the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix in Barcelona. Sky Sports reporter Martin Brundle addressed it: "He said you're going to Man United!" he said.
"No I'm just here to enjoy this race today, an amazing day, I can't wait to watch it!" Mount replied.
James and Chilwell verdict
Reece James and Ben Chilwell gave their thoughts on Mount's future and uncertainty around him at Barcelona, too.
"Of course, if he [Mount] goes, everyone will be sad to see him go," James said. Chilwell, meanwhile, stated: "It's none of my business personally, but I'd love him to stay. He's my best mate, so personally I'd love him to stay but it's none of my business."
Man Utd make Mason Mount transfer move
Manchester United have taken a big step towards completing the signing of Chelsea star Mason Mount this summer. The likes of United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all seriously interested in completing a transfer for Mount, football.london understands.
United are now leading the race to sign the Chelsea star this summer with reports stating Old Trafford is his preferred destination. A report from The Times has now revealed that Erik ten Hag's side have opened talks with the Blues as they look to thrash out a deal to sign Mount ahead of next season.
United are yet to make an official offer for Mount, but senior figures at Old Trafford have begun discussions with Chelsea and made clear their desire to sign the England international. The west Londoners do not want to sell Mount, who is valued at £70million, but insiders believe his desire is to leave Stamford Bridge with one year remaining on his contract.
The report adds that Chelsea insiders say salary and bonuses proved to be the major sticking point. There have been three offers that would have increased Mount’s pay to be in line with the highest earners at the club.
Man United price stance
Manchester United is Mason Mount's preferred destination but there remains complications over that move being sanctioned, particularly in regard to his price.
According to the Independent, United are unwilling to go as high as £55million because their own summer budget is open to change over uncertainty regarding a club takeover. However, the report adds, there is belief that a deal will be completed despite the two parties currently being far part in their valuations.
Old Trafford preference
Mason Mount seem to prefer a move to Manchester United, if Chelsea sanction his exit this summer. The 24-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit for a while now, with his contract set to expire in 12 months...
United bid ready
Manchester United are preparing a summer bid for Chelsea star Mason Mount in the coming weeks as the Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils are eyeing a £55million offer. That remains lower than the reported valuation of £85million set by the Blues for the midfielder, who is nearing the end of his contract and is being monitored by the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal too.
Major Mount exit update
Chelsea supporters have been given a worrying Mason Mount transfer update by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano which seems to hint a departure from the Blues is expected.
Speaking to Amp, he said: “Speaking to some sources today, it is going to be very difficult to extend Mason Mount, really complicated."
Arsenal interest explained
Arsenal have once again been referenced in the discussions surrounding the future of Chelsea star Mason Mount.
As per the Athletic, Mikel Arteta wants to add creativity in a more advanced midfield position which has fuelled the pursuit of Mount, after news of Granit Xhaka's expected departure.
Mauricio Pochettino reveals Mount plan
Chelsea look set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as manager ahead of next season and the Argentine hopes that Mason Mount will be a key player in his rebuild at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have recently reopened contract talks with the 24-year-old midfielder after initial negotiations had stalled.
Mount is set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing an abdomen operation and is entering the final 12 months of his current deal. Pochettino, who is expected to become the next Chelsea head coach, has identified the 24-year-old as a someone who can play an integral role in his team next season, according to The Daily Mail.
The Argentine is a huge admirer of Mount’s ability on the ball and work-ethic and feels the Chelsea star would suit the style he wants to implement at Stamford Bridge next season. Pochettino's appointment could help the Blues keep hold of both Mount and N'Golo Kante - with the latter's contract set to expire at the end of the season despite confidence that a renewal can be agreed with the 32-year-old.
Chelsea reopen contract talks as price tag set
Mount and Chelsea recently reopened talks over extending his stay but at the time of writing there is no indication anything has changed. Before talks resumed, the two parties were some way off in what they believed was a suitable contract offer, casting serious question marks over his future at Stamford Bridge.
That looks as if it is going to be Mauricio Pochettino, who is said to be a huge admirer of Mount. At the moment, Mount is after more money than Chelsea are prepared to offer but that could change depending on Pochettino's stance on the 24-year-old.
If it gets to the summer and nothing is resolved, football.london understands Chelsea would want something in the region of £70million for the midfielder's services. However, Liverpool would definitely try to force that price down because of the midfielder's contract situation and could call Chelsea's bluff with the Blues knowing about the risk of losing him on a free transfer in just over 12 months' time.
Todd Boehly holds Mason Mount meeting
Mason Mount's future remains uncertain at Chelsea after talks over a new contract have been postponed until the summer. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have all registered an interest in signing the 24-year-old - who will have one year left on his deal this summer.
A report from The Athletic have revealed that Todd Boehly met with Mount last Friday and reiterated the midfielder's importance to the team and that he wants to keep him at Stamford Bridge long-term. Talks have been postponed until the summer, when Chelsea intend to extend Mount’s contract or sell the midfielder.
The dialogue between Boehly and Mount has been interpreted inside Chelsea as a positive development towards a contract agreement. Should Mount refuse to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge, he will likely be sold by Boehly to a key Premier League rival with Liverpool leading the race for his signature this summer.
Tuchel facing two Bayern obstacles
Bayern Munich could be the club to persuade Mason Mount to leave Chelsea using former manager Thomas Tuchel and the success of Jamal Musiala - a former Cobham academy graduate - as their two main factors in convincing the England international to sign for the German giants. However, Tuchel faces two key obstacles before a decision is made on Mount in Bavaria.
According to Bild's Christian Falk, Tuchel wants to assess the options he already has in his current squad, while it is also noted that players would have to leave the club for new signings to be agreed.
Thomas Tuchel eyes Bayern reunion
Bayern Munich are the latest club set to join the race to sign Mason Mount this summer. The German side are considering taking advantage of the midfielder's contract stalemate at Stamford Bridge to grant new manager Thomas Tuchel's request, the Times reports.
Liverpool interest steps up
Liverpool are seriously interested in signing Mason Mount from Chelsea this summer as contract talks with the west London club continue to stall. A source has told football.london that the Reds are seriously interested in the England international and are preparing to make a move for the midfielder in the summer should the situation remain unsolved.
Liverpool believe they can lure Mount to Anfield and will be trying to do so on a cut-price deal with a year remaining on his deal by the time the summer transfer window opens.
Contract gap
There is still a "big gap" between Mason Mount and Chelsea in negotiations over a new contract ahead of the summer transfer window. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims that the chances of an exit for the midfielder are increasing and he will be an option to leave if a new deal isn't agreed.
Man United interest
Manchester United are another rival that are interested in signing Mason Mount on a transfer deal this summer, reports the Guardian. The Red Devils are said to see the England international as a cheaper option to Jude Bellingham, adding the Blues have set a price of roughly £50million.
Liverpool 'increasingly confident'
Liverpool are "increasingly confident" in acquiring the services of Mason Mount, talkSPORT reports. Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to freshen up his midfield options next year, and has identified the Blues player as an ideal candidate to lead the major overhaul.
Some sources close to the 24-year-old have reportedly suggested a move to Merseyside is in fact "highly likely". Should no breakthrough be made by the summer, Chelsea will have a major decision to make as a move to a big-six rival for an academy product would likely leave a sour taste in the mouths of many supporters.
Talks stall
In November it was reported by the Telegraph that ongoing talks for a new deal had stalled. It has since been revealed that there are people at Chelsea that are resigned to losing him.
The latest update, as reported by talkSPORT, is that negotiations have not progressed beyond the standstill, with Mount seeking a similar deal to those agreed with the club's highest earners. The Blues will have until June 2024 to tie him down but will face the risk of allowing the deal to run down and therefore lose out on potential transfer value should he be sold before that.
Champions League condition
Chelsea could be forced to sell Mason Mount in the summer transfer window if contract negotiations do not take a positive turn. However, according to Ben Jacobs, the Blues remain confident they can agree an extension.
“Chelsea still feel they have the situation in their control as they look to extend Mount’s contract. Chelsea’s owners want Mount to commit to a long-term deal that’s quite incentive driven and has a reduction in wage if the club don’t reach the Champions League in any given season."
Chelsea stance
Chelsea are keen to sign Mount onto a new long-term deal and see him as a key part of their future. James and Broja have both penned deals beyond 2028 and the host of new signings are signed up to contracts keeping them at SW6 for even longer than that.
An issue rising is the new wage structure at the club though with Boehly/Clearlake keen to implement incentive-based deals whereas Mount's successes would usually warrant an immediate large pay rise.