June 24th 2023.
Mason Mount has made clear his desire to leave Chelsea and join Manchester United, leaving the Red Devils 'unhappy' with Chelsea's conduct during the protracted negotiations. The England international has no intention of signing an extension to his contract that will expire in 2021, prompting Chelsea to reluctantly consider selling him to their main rival.
United had submitted their third and final offer for Mount yesterday, but Chelsea have indicated that a bid of £58m plus £7m in add-ons would be enough for them to give the player the green light to move to Old Trafford. In an effort to end the deadlock, Chelsea have even suggested a face-to-face meeting with the United counterparts.
However, the Red Devils have been left frustrated by Chelsea's behaviour during talks, and especially irked by their media leaks surrounding the failed bids. United's football director John Murtough is in a difficult position, as the club does not want to overpay for a player who will be available for free next summer, but risks upsetting Erik ten Hag who is adamant Mount is his number one midfield target.
With a tight budget, caving in to Chelsea's demands is not an option for United. They will instead pursue alternative midfield targets, such as Moises Caicedo, who is ironically also wanted by Chelsea, and West Ham captain Declan Rice. Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay have been suggested as a potential makeweights in a deal for Rice, but the all-action midfielder is said to have his heart set on a move to Arsenal.
If United decline Chelsea's invitation for talks, they will continue to explore other options and try to find a deal that suits both sides. It remains to be seen if the two clubs can come to an agreement, or if Mount will remain at Chelsea.
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