Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has questioned why Mason Mount and Kai Havertz want to leave the club amid talk of their respective transfers to Manchester United and Arsenal.
An ongoing contract stalemate for Mount has contributed directly to the England international wanting to leave his boyhood club. Liverpool were early frontrunners but Man United are now favourites for his signature with a £40 million opening bid rejected by those at Stamford Bridge.
As for Havertz, a transfer to Real Madrid appeared on the cards but Chelsea's high valuation - which stands at £70m - saw that interest wane. However, the Gunners have shockingly swooped in and are now close to signing the Germany international.
Like Mount, an opening bid was rejected by the Blues but there is confidence a second bid around believed to be around £60m will be enough to sign the 24-year-old. Personal terms, for both Mount and Havertz, are thought to not be a problem with the main issues arising over a fee.
Despite neither Arsenal or Man United wanting to pay Chelsea's valuation, staying at Stamford Bridge looks highly unlikely for both but their decisions to seek a move have been criticised by Leboeuf.
“If you want to move club, it’s because you think it’s a promotion,” Leboeuf told ESPN. “Here me well, I am not saying that Manchester United is at the same level as Chelsea, compared to last season.
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“In terms of a club and what they want to achieve. I think there is only one club better than Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. It’s Manchester City. I really think, if the player wants to move if he is available, then he has to look for something better, where he can get something out of it.
“So, I don’t understand the move of let’s say Havertz to Arsenal or Mount to Manchester United. Like I wouldn’t understand Christian Eriksen from Manchester United to Chelsea. That is the same level, for me.”
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