Chelsea have rejected Manchester United’s £55million offer for Mason Mount. The Stamford Bridge club have made a counter proposal of £65million to United and offered to hold face-to-face talks to find a resolution that will suit all parties. United’s latest offer, comprised of a £50million guaranteed payment plus £5m in add-ons, was received by Chelsea on Friday afternoon. That was turned down late on Friday night. Chelsea instantly countered with a £58million plus £7million deal, leaving the ball back in United’s court.
Old Trafford chiefs are very reluctant to pay any more for Mount, with indications on Friday afternoon that this would be their final offer. United believe their new package is more than fair for a player in the final year of his contract and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to meet Chelsea officials in person to find a resolution.
A number of top European clubs are monitoring Mount’s future closely this summer and are ready to move in January if he does not sign for United this summer. Mount can sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club at the turn of the year, a scenario that Chelsea are acutely aware of. Munich’s interest is particularly interesting given they are managed by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who is a huge admirer of Mount.
As talented as Mount is, you would probably be hard-pressed to find many Bayern Munich fans that would support a €76 million deal for Mount — especially when he does not play a position of need.
By all accounts, a move for Mount would be seen by fans as a transfer to appease Tuchel more than one to fill a hole in the squad
Arsenal now firm favourites to sign Rice
Despite drifting in the betting markets after reports of Manchester City preparing a move, Arsenal are now firm favourites to sign Declan Rice this summer. With Bet365, Arteta’s side are 4/9 to secure the signature of their top target, with City drifting out to 13/8 earlier today after it emerged that they were not the England international’s preferred destination. Declan Rice odds: Arsenal 4/9, Manchester City 13/8, Manchester United 20/1, West Ham 20/1, Chelsea 33/1.
Chelsea eye Chiesa move
Chelsea have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa. The Italian has just two years left to run on his contract in Turin after dealing with a host of injury issues. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Klopp is a huge fan of Chiesa. However, they face competition for his services from the likes of Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Asking price set for Chiesa (Gazzetta dello Sport via 90Min.com)
If Bayern Munich really wants Juventus star Federico Chiesa, the asking price could be more than originally thought. Per a report out of Italy, Juventus wants €60 million for the winger:
Juventus are prepared to sell winger Federico Chiesa for £52m, with Liverpool, Bayern Munich and PSG interested in a deal.
Brozovic faces transfer choice
Barcelona and Al-Nassr are both attempting to sign Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, according to Mundo Deportivo. The 30-year-old is said to have offers on the table from both clubs and Inter will allow the Croatian international to depart this summer