Romano provides update on Mason Mount contract talks with Chelsea amid uncertainty over his future
Fabrizio Romano has provided a fascinating update on Mason Mount’s future, amid rumors that he has turned down Chelsea’s latest offer.
The arrival of British record signing Enzo Fernandez has increased competition for the England international, but he remains a crucial player for Graham Potter.
Mount’s current contract expires at the conclusion of the upcoming season, so Chelsea would do well to negotiate a new deal with him as soon as possible.
Chelsea have struggled to find consistent form this season, as they are currently in ninth place in the Premier League table, having won just eight of their first 21 matches.
With Potter’s team 10 points behind the top four, there is a great deal of pressure on January signings to perform well immediately.
Friday’s goalless draw between Chelsea and Fulham saw Fernandez start alongside Conor Gallagher as a double pivot, with Mount playing further forward in midfield.
Although the midfield trio, led by the Argentine, performed admirably, the Blues failed to create enough clear-cut scoring opportunities and lacked sufficient attacking threat.
This is one of Mount’s primary responsibilities for Chelsea, as an attacking midfielder. He has averaged 1.5 key passes and 1.6 shots per game this season, but has only contributed three goals and two assists.
Despite this, Mount has been a consistent starter under Potter, participating in all but one of the team’s league contests to date.
According to multiple reports, negotiations over a new contract have apparently reached an impasse, with Mount allegedly rejecting the Blues’ proposed terms.
F365 reported on Sunday that Mount was seeking a staggering £240,000 per week contract, which would be triple his current £80,000 salary.
According to Romano, however, negotiations are still ongoing and there has been no major fallout as previously suggested.
Writing for Caught Offside, he said: “A lot has been said about Mason Mount’s future again, particular his role in the team now that Chelsea have spent big money on the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Mykhaylo Mudryk.
“I’m told negotiations are still ongoing between Chelsea and Mount, so let’s see how the conversation will go in the next weeks and months.
“I think it would be fair to say that automatic starters don’t exist when the competition is that high, he knows he has to perform at top level to keep his place, but nothing has changed.”
According to these reports, even though a new agreement is not close to being finalized, that does not mean negotiations have ceased entirely.
Chelsea have until the end of the season to negotiate a contract extension with Mount; if they cannot, they may be forced to sell him.
Romano provides update on Mason Mount contract talks with Chelsea amid uncertainty over his future
