Chelsea
could be open to selling €75m man after Christopher Nkunku arrival
Chelsea are in negotiations with Mason Mount over a new deal as the Englishman enters the final 18
months of his current deal at Stamford Bridge. If a breakthrough isn’t found,
Chelsea might consider selling Mount as Christopher Nkunku prepares for a summer arrival.
Chelsea have already wrapped up the first signing of next summer with Nkunku set to complete the
switch from RB Leipzig to Chelsea in the summer of 2023. The Blues were linked with the Frenchman
last summer too but an agreement was reached as CFC are committed to paying £63 million in the
summer transfer window to the Germans, an amount that is £10 million over the release clause.
The Blues have a potent option in Nkunku that will add exceptional quality to the
attack. With Nkunku coming in, Chelsea may have a perfect fit for their attack. Nkunku’s arrival
will surely give Graham Potter plenty of options in the attack. Make no mistake,
the Frenchman is not a striker so the Blues are expected to carry on their hunt
for a new No.9. In a recent interview, Nkunku has described his best position.
“I think that (attacking midfield) is a position that suits me well.
Close to the goal behind a striker. That describes me as a player nicely
so I always like playing in this role. (via Football Manager)
Come next summer, Potter could be spoilt for choices in the No.10 role. In fact,
given the current situation with Mount, the Blues might not mind cashing in on
the 24 year old if an agreement is not reached over a new contract.
Mount has a deal till 2024 and currently earns around £75,000 per week. Chelsea
have been in negotiations with Mount over a new deal but an agreement is not reached. According
to Evening Standard, Todd Boehly himself is handling Mount’s new deal which is expected
to be a seven year extension. However, little progress has been made between the two parties.
Mount is one of the lowest paid players in the Chelsea roster and wants a salary similar to his
teammates in the England team. Liverpool and other top sides will test Chelsea’s resolve
in the summer. If a new deal isn’t signed, CFC are prepared to sell the Englishman.
With Nkunku arriving, there is enough cover in that area. If CFC
sign a lethal striker in the summer, Kai Havertz no longer has to operate
in that role and can play in the attacking midfield role.
If the Blues also sign Joao Felix on a permanent deal, Felix is also fit to operate in that role.
Mount’s performances have declined in recent times, perhaps due to fatigue
and overplaying. He is currently valued at €75 million by Transfermarkt and CFC
could be open to offers if an extension isn’t signed before summer. The Blues do not need to
panic as they already have enough world class options in that role that Potter can deploy.