Liverpool and Juventus tracking Mason Mount with Chelsea talks on hold
Liverpool and Juventus are keeping track of the growing uncertainty around Mason Mount’s future after Chelsea’s talks with the England midfielder over a new deal were put on hold until after the World Cup.
Mount’s deal expires in just over 18 months and his situation has prompted clubs to check whether he could be lured away from Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old has been in discussions with Chelsea since the summer and, with no sign of a breakthrough, negotiations are not expected to resume until January.
Chelsea’s owners have no interest in losing Mount, who has been attached to the club for his entire career, and remain optimistic that negotiations will end on a positive note. Mount has been built up as a future Chelsea captain and the hierarchy want to reward his performances with an improved deal.
However there have been indications that an agreement is not guaranteed. Mount is one of the lowest earners in the first-team squad and wants a new deal to reflect his status as one of Graham Potter’s most important players. Chelsea’s initial proposals have fallen below his expectations.
Mount has established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League during the past three years and he is attracting interest from Juventus and Liverpool, who need to freshen up their midfield options.
Manchester City have previously been linked with Mount, who has been valued by his managers for his ability on the ball, versatility, pressing and tactical intelligence. Whether Mount would see moving to Italy to join Juventus, who are having a disappointing season, as a good move at this stage of his career remains to be seen.
The prospect of some of Europe’s top sides targeting Mount could lead to greater urgency from Chelsea. Their owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake
Capital, will be keen to avoid a repeat of the messy situation they inherited. Chelsea lost Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers last summer and Thiago Silva’s, N’Golo Kanté’s and Jorginho’s deals run out at the end of this season.
Chelsea, who have promoted their academy director, Neil Bath, to director of football development and operations, have shown a willingness to reward their young talents. Reece James and Armando Broja signed new long-term deals recently.
Meanwhile Édouard Mendy is considering his future after losing his place as Chelsea’s No 1 to Kepa Arrizabalaga. Mendy, who will be Senegal’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup, could seek assurances after a difficult start to the season.
The 30-year-old’s deal runs out in 2024 and he is also one of the squad’s lower earners. He has so far been reluctant to sign an extension.
Potter has favoured Arrizabalaga since replacing Thomas Tuchel in September. Mendy got back in the team after Arrizabalaga was injured against Brighton last month, but there is no guarantee he will be a starter after Qatar.