Chelsea set date for fresh contract talks with key star after Liverpool plan momentous transfer

TEAMtalk understands Chelsea will re-open contract discussions with Mason Mount in January, after previous talks stalled and Liverpool set their sights on him.

Mount’s current deal at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. Chelsea are keen to tie him down to fresh terms but so far have been unable to reach an agreement with Mount and his agent.

Reports have claimed this is down to the attacking midfielder’s wage demands. Due to him being a regular in the Chelsea first team, he wants to be paid near to, or as much as, the club’s top earners.

This stance appears to have resulted in contract negotiations stalling. And there could be disastrous consequences for the Blues, with a Premier League rival reportedly going after Mount’s signature.

According to The Guardian, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the situation and could swoop in if the Englishman becomes available for transfer.

TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey has now revealed when talks between Mount and Chelsea will restart, while also discussing the Liverpool rumours.

The good news for Blues fans is that Liverpool’s interest isn’t seen as being ‘serious’ right now. One concern, though, is that Chelsea will ‘have a real situation on their hands’ if talks do not reach a conclusion in the next few months.

“Firstly, Chelsea believed that their deal for Mason Mount would be done and dusted by now, they started the same time as Reece James and he put pen-to-paper on his deal in September. However, Mount has thus far not followed,” Bailey told TEAMtalk.

Chelsea aiming for contract agreement

“Chelsea agreed to talk again in January after the World Cup after talks again in recent weeks, and there has been a few sticking points – Chelsea don’t deny it.

“However, Chelsea remain confident that Mount has no intention of pursuing options away from Stamford Bridge and that he will sign his new long-term deal.

“So whilst it is no surprise that we have seen rivals linked like Liverpool – at this stage it is not seen as serious. However, if in a few months time the deal is still not agreed, then Chelsea could have a real situation on their hands.”

Mount is currently on international duty with England. He started in the Three Lions’ World Cup opener against Iran and managed 71 minutes as Gareth Southgate’s men ran out 6-2 winners.

Mount will be hoping to keep his starting spot in the next World Cup group game. England play USA on Friday at 19:00 GMT.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Liverpool are facing competition from Arsenal for the capture of a Serie A midfielder, according to reports.