Chelsea have found leverage in Graham Potter's mission to sign Juventus star Federico Chiesa, according to reports. The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time now but a move has never materialised.
According to Calcio Mercato Web, the Blues boss 'likes' the Italy international and wants to bring the forward to west London in the summer. It's said that Chiesa is valued at €100 million (£87million) by Massimiliano Allegri's side and that the Italian giants could be open to offloading their talisman on one condition.
The report states that the Old Lady could be tempted into selling the Italian if they are able to sign Mason Mount in return. The Chelsea star faces an increasingly uncertain future at the club amid questions over whether he'll agree to a contract extension.
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Mount entered the final two years of his contract with the west Londoners this season and, with Todd Boehly eager to build a stable future, the Blues are keen to secure his future. According to The Telegraph, there is an expectation that the 23-year-old will sign a new deal but 'it could take time'.
It's said that talks between the two parties began over the summer, and there is no agreement as of yet. The report adds that other attacking midfielder options have been considered by Chelsea as the club continue to make wholesale changes on and off the pitch.
With an element of doubt cast over Mount's future, The Guardian report that Liverpool are keeping tabs on the Cobham graduate. Todd Boehly could spoil Jurgen Klopp's dream move by offering the midfielder in a part-exchange deal for Chiesa.
Despite speculation over his future at Chelsea, Mount has insisted that he will not be distracted. As quoted by the Evening Standard, he said: "I have always been so focused on my football since I was in the academy.
"I know now there is a lot more media focus on me, but I do not look too much into that. I block it out."
For the time being, Mount is focused on the job at hand as England look to go the distance at the World Cup in Qatar. The midfielder asserted that he wants to be a leader and play a key role for his nation at the tournament as they prepare to face Iran in their opening Group B game on Monday at 1pm (UK time).
"We are a very together group where everyone knows their role," Mount said. "You also have leaders who step up in the big games and, as a player, that is always something I want to do and what I want to be.
"I want to lead and play a big part. But we are all together in this tournament. If you start or don’t start, you want to come on and have an impact, be good around the boys."
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