Boehly intervention flips likeliest Mount outcome, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Man Utd shaking their heads at Chelsea move

A direct conversation between Todd Boehly and Mason Mount has shifted the odds on what the future holds for the Chelsea ace who’s being courted by Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool, per a trusted source.

The Blues are expected to sanction something of a fire sale this summer to help conform with Financial Fair Play. The Evening Standard recently listed 15 players who could depart, with two-time and reigning Chelsea Player of the Year, Mason Mount, among them.

The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season. In lieu of their colossal spend over the last two windows and the pressure of conforming to Financial Fair Play, Chelsea cannot afford to let highly saleable assets leave for free over the coming years.

As such, players who are poised to enter the final 12 months of their deals will have two choices moving forward. The first is to sign a new deal. The second is be sold.

Mount is known to be on the radars of Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal. Of the trio, a move to link up with Jurgen Klopp at Anfield has looked the likeliest given the Reds’ desperate need for a midfield overhaul.

However, according to the Athletic’s ultra-reliable David Ornstein, what was once a ‘foregone conclusion’ in Mount leaving is now no longer the case.

Boehly goes to work on Mount

Explaining why, Ornstein revealed a direct conversation between Chelsea co-owner Boehly and Mount has shifted the situation.

The discussion took place on Friday and it’s claimed Chelsea’s desire to retain Mount and his importance to the club were both reiterated.

Somewhat worryingly for the chasing pack, it’s stated Boehly’s simple pep talk and arm around the shoulder has had the desired effect for Chelsea.

Indeed, Ornstein wrote ‘what looked like a foregone conclusion and Mount leaving [has shifted] to a feeling that it is not out of the question he stays.’ Reading between the lines, it sounds like Mount doesn’t actually want to leave Chelsea.

He’s understood to be among the lowest-paid members of Chelsea’s first-team squad at present. The Telegraph’s Matt Law previously reported Mount is not angling to be the club’s highest earner, though does wish to be adequately rewarded for what he’s done for the club.

Ornstein doubled down on the claim money isn’t everything for Mount when noting he’s likely to be handsomely paid regardless of who he plays for next season.

‘Career development, fulfilling his potential and competing for trophies’ will reportedly be ‘critical’ factors in Mount’s thinking, per Ornstein.

Though given Mount appears receptive to Boehly’s motivational talk, it’s looking like remaining at Chelsea – assuming they lodge a suitable offer – is the likeliest outcome.

The player changing his tune after a simple arm around the shoulder and encouraging word in the ear will not make great reading for Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal.

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