Danny Murphy has admitted he is surprised that Chelsea and Mason Mount remain apart in contract negotiations as the England midfielder stalls on signing a new deal. The 23-year-old still has until 2024 but has been slower than fellow Cobham graduates Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja to committing himself to the club long-term.
Part of Todd Boehly's early remit as co-owner has been to tie down current stars to extended deals, almost baseball style, and so far it has bared fruit with James signing until 2028 in recent months. The decision to hold onto these players comes in a total structure change that also rewards the best performing players.
Chelsea have come into issues recently with underperforming players stuck on large wages, making it hard to offload them or get value for money on top of the large transfer fees. Boehly is trying to implement a more efficient structure and keeping Mount at Stamford Bridge would represent another key player with future aspirations at SW6, but things aren't across the line yet.
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Alongside his up-and-down performances in Qatar for England, Mount has failed to pick up his form to the desired extent under Graham Potter at club level, despite early improvement. His drop off was part of a wider malaise before the domestic break, but the Englishman remains a favourite for his managers.
Mount is also a common victim of criticism for both club and country but his impressive record for both remains despite not being playing at his best. This hasn't stopped the Blues from looking to extend his deal though, but Murphy remains surprised that no agreement has been reached. "It's a difficult one and you need to know your place at times, understand where you're at in your career," he said on Vibe With Five.
"When I was at Liverpool I knew what other people were earning and stuff but I was happy with where I was at but depends on your representation, depends if you've got someone who is logical, sensible. I don't think you should be going in there and saying 'I deserve this and more', you find your level.
"I'm surprised with Mount, I'd want him to be on a decent contract because he plays every week but I'd also be thinking, are you happy? Is the club you love? It's a footballing decision, he doesn't come across as a lad who's priority is finance. He's playing week in, week out at one of the biggest clubs, who are going to challenge you'd think with the money they're spending."
Mount has been performing as one of the best players in the squad and would be well within his right to be paid on that level, though The Athletic report that a larger issue has been the former Derby man not being as set on such a long-term deal like the six-years for James.
With just over 18-months left there isn't a worry at Chelsea yet but, as with Declan Rice, things will begin to pick up as he nears the final year. As James was attracting interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City there was added incentive to extend. Mount is reportedly a target for Liverpool, should things no progress, and Murphy can see why.
"So, I think that'll get done [his contract], I'm just surprised it's come to this point, he's been linked with Liverpool - he'd be perfect for Liverpool - but if he doesn't sign they'd be plenty who'd take him."
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