Mason Mount will have just one year left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge come the end of the season with Chelsea keen to significantly extend his contract. The Blues had started negotiations with Mount and Reece James earlier last year with the latter having already committed his long-term future to the club.
Talks with Mount are proving difficult with negotiations being paused during the World Cup to allow the England international to focus on his football in Qatar. Mount joined Chelsea at the age of six and has scored 33 goals in approaching 200 appearances, helping them win the Champions League in 2021.
Reports now have stated that given the Blues' poor form under Graham Potter, talks with Mount about extending his career at Stamford Bridge have been paused and are not expected to resume until the summer. Premier League rivals Liverpool are seriously interested in signing the 24-year-old midfielder this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his squad after a difficult season at Anfield.
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Fans are right to be concerned at the fact that Mount is yet to commit his long-term future to the club. Todd Boehly has shown a willingness to offer more incentive-based contracts over a longer period of time rather than the usual wage increase five-year deals many have become accustomed to.
This is actually a key reason as to why Mount is yet to agree to a new deal at Stamford Bridge. Negotiations between Chelsea and Mount over a new contract have not yet led to an agreement with several offers made last summer and in the autumn rejected by the 24-year-old.
The length of the new deal being offered is considered to be a major stumbling block with the player preferring a shorter contract. As reported by The Athletic last year, one of the offers made to Mount was for seven years, but this was rejected by the 24-year-old who is also hoping for a higher base salary that represents his importance to the club.
Speaking on The Athletic's podcast, football reporter David Ornstein said: “Multiple contract offers have been rejected by Mason Mount in summer of 2022 and then in the autumn. Chelsea are very clear on this, he signs a new deal when dialogue opens again in the summer or he is going to be sold.”
Simon Johnson added: “I’d be very concerned if I was a Chelsea fan that Mason Mount won’t be a Chelsea player next season. Length of contract is a big issue, the owners want players on 6, 7, 8 year deals, Mount does not want to stay that long.”
Liverpool may feel that they can prise the midfielder away from west London this summer with talks now being paused until the summer when Chelsea could see a number of bids come in for Mount. There is a serious chance that the Chelsea star's head could be turned should the Reds offer him an improved salary that fits in with his terms regarding contract length.
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