Manchester United has reportedly increased their offer in their pursuit of Chelsea star Mason Mount, but the Blues are standing firm in negotiations.
Mount has become a target for Erik ten Hag’s side after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
With only one year left on his current deal, Chelsea is holding out for a substantial transfer fee, especially considering their strengthened financial position with the potential sales of Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic.
According to The Athletic, Manchester United’s revised offer for Mount consists of an initial £45m with an additional £5m in add-ons.
However, Chelsea is said to be holding out for £60m plus £5m. Despite this, reports suggest that Manchester United has set an upper limit on their offer, indicating a potential standstill in negotiations.
Chelsea’s position is bolstered by their impending squad trim, which includes the anticipated transfer of Havertz to Arsenal for up to £65m and Kovacic’s potential move to Manchester City for a fee of around £30m.
Will Mount leave Chelsea?
The club’s ability to generate funds through player sales allows them to remain steadfast in their valuation of Mount.
While Mount is currently under his existing contract, negotiations for an improved deal have stalled, preventing him from aligning his salary with that of his senior teammates.
A move to Old Trafford would likely come with a salary increase and the possibility of reuniting with his England colleague, Declan Rice, who is also linked to Manchester United.
Mount, who had successful loan spells at Vitesse and Derby County before his Chelsea debut, has scored 33 goals in 195 senior appearances for the club.
However, the 2022-23 season was challenging for him, with only three goals as Chelsea endured managerial changes and finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
The outcome of the Mount transfer saga remains uncertain, as both clubs continue to negotiate. The financial implications and potential player exchanges add further complexity to the situation.