Manchester United hoped to tie up an early deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer.
But with a big gap on valuation, the talks have hit a road block. BBC Sport reported how Manchester United’s £40 million offer was rejected by Chelsea. A new bid was submitted today, and rejected, The Athletic report.
A report almost a month ago via The Mirror had claimed Chelsea needed to sell Mount to solve a ‘significant problem’ amid their need to raise cash and balance the books with their extravagant spending.
After the developments of the past week, Chelsea are suddenly not so cash-needy.
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Chelsea cash-in puts Manchester United under pressure
Chelsea have alleviated any urgent need for cash after a string of sales to the Saudi Pro League.
Ngolo Kante has sealed a move, while Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech are all on the verge of making the switch to Saudi Arabia, report The Guardian.
The exact fees Chelsea will receive for all of them remain unclear, however, you can be certain they will secure good deals, with £25.5 million cited for Koulibaly.
There is another sale on the horizon too, with Kai Havertz wanted by Arsenal, with The Athletic reporting the Gunners are willing to pay £65 million.
A further complication comes from City, who are set to pay up to £30 million to sign Mateo Kovacic, Goal reports.
These sales strengthen Chelsea’s hand in negotiations, as they do not have to settle for a low offer, despite Mount contract being set to expire in 2024.
Ben Jacobs told the Stretford Paddock Youtube channel: “Keep an eye on what type of numbers Chelsea bring in for some of the players linked with Saudi, and also maybe Kai Kavertz as well.
“The more money Chelsea bring in, the more they are going to hold out for a number on Mason Mount.”
He added that United’s best chance with the deal is if Mason Mount pushes directly for a move at his end, and makes clear he is not prepared to stay.
This deal looked a little easier a month ago, when it seemed like United were going to be really proactive and strike early.
Chelsea’s desire to dig in and demand a high-fee has created a stand-off, and if anything, their hand has since got stronger.
We do think this deal will get done, but with Manchester United, it is never easy.
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