According to latest reports in England, Manchester United are set to renew talks with Chelsea over a possible deal for Mason Mount. The English midfielder faces an increasingly uncertain future after the Red Devils reached an impasse in the negotiations. Now, the situation seems to be changed at Stamford Bridge.
Mason Mount was a key figure in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph in 2021 and has shown the potential to play at the highest level. However, he has dropped down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge ever since the departure of manager Thomas Tuchel.
The Red Devils initially placed a £40 million bid for the English international. The Blues straightaway rejected the proposal, responding with an asking price of €80 million. But, United are unwilling to pay such a huge amount for a player with just one year left on his contract.
The Manchester side walked away from the negotiations last week after Chelsea rejected a third bid. The Red Devils submitted a third proposal of £55m for the midfielder, £50m upfront plus £5m in add-ons. But, the Blues turned down the deal by responding with a counteroffer of £58million, plus £7million in add-ons.
Now, as reported by The Telegraph, Manchester United are set to hold showdown talks with Chelsea over a potential deal for Mason Mount. With the London club unwilling to lose the 24-year-old for free next summer, they have offered to meet directly with United officials to find a solution to the midfielder’s future.
Both clubs will meet this week to come to a positive resolution if the deal is to be completed. Personal terms are not an issue since the England international has agreed to the move and is keen to join Erik ten Hag’s side. Although the Old Trafford outfit remain adamant over Chelsea’s asking price, they are willing to discuss the finer points of their previous bid.
Manchester United and Chelsea are set to make final decision on Mason Mount deal as direct contacts will take place within 24 hours, as revealed yesterday 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Understand will be face-to-face contact and Man Utd will be clear once again: they want to get it done for £55m. pic.twitter.com/IFkoL21VYz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2023
Like Chelsea, the Red Devils will also go through a squad overhaul. Manager Erik ten Hag needs the right reinforcements for another successful season. However, many fans believe Mason Mount is not what Manchester United need right now and the club should focus on signing a striker. Nevertheless, it is evident from last season that attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes deserves some rest and United need a cover for the Portuguese.
The Englishman’s preferred position is attacking midfielder but he also has the potential to play as a number 8. With no concrete decision over Marcel Sabitzer’s situation, United might need to look for a backup option for Christian Eriksen. Moreover, the club may also sell either Scott McTominay or Fred to raise funds for incoming transfers.
Why do Manchester United Want to Sign Mason Mount?
Manchester United have only Bruno Fernandes as the attacking midfielder in their squad. He has played almost every game for his club in the 2022-23 season barring missing a few matches through suspension. They had the option of Donny van de Beek but his horrific injury put an end to his campaign very early. Moreover, the Dutchman has also failed to impress Ten Hag in the limited appearances he had.
The Red Devils are likely to offload Van De Beek in this transfer window. They will need a reliable player to fill in the shoes when Fernandes is absent due to injury or suspension. Mason Mount has shown how dangerous he can be in that position when he played against Manchester United, one such instance being the FA Cup semi-final in the 2019-2020 season.
Not only that but the 24-year-old also provided the famous assist for Kai Havertz in the Champions League final against Manchester City in 2021. He had also been one of the first names on the England starting lineup before this season. Managers have mentioned that the midfielder has a good eye for getting in good positions to score a goal or get an assist.
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However, signing the Englishman is only a good option for the Red Devils if they don’t spend more than what they have already offered for him. It should not be ignored that the 2022-23 season he had was not up to his standards. Ten Hag will have to do his magic to help Mount regain his confidence. United could have a lethal midfield if he gets back to his best and starts delivering.
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