Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Chelsea shift focus away from defence as crucial contract plan elsewhere takes shape

Timo Werner Chelsea

Chelsea have a contract situation away from their defence to focus on after reports revealed their plans to hold talks over an important deal in the coming months.

When it comes to contracts, it is clear where Chelsea’s priorities currently lie. Three of their most trusted defenders are set to leave the club when their terms expire in the summer. The club are still working to convince Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to stay.

They have not given up hope just yet, but the chances of all three staying look slim. In fact, it is more probable that all three will leave. Still, Chelsea will keep trying to convince them otherwise.

But there is another item on the agenda when it comes to the situations of their present players. According to Fabrizio Romano, one of the next in line for talks over their future is Mason Mount.

The academy graduate has been a key part of the senior Chelsea side since returning from a loan spell with Derby County in 2019. After making the same move, manager Frank Lampard kept his faith in the midfielder.

Mount and Lampard had a special footballing relationship, but the number 19 has outlasted his former boss at Stamford Bridge. Indeed, Mount has retained a role of prominence since Thomas Tuchel replaced Lampard in January 2021.

This season, the England international has made 34 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea. Within those, he has scored seven goals and set up eight more for his teammates.

Still only 23 years old, the future is bright for someone already fulfilling their potential. As such, Chelsea want to safeguard his future.

Chelsea open Mason Mount contract talks

Chelsea open Mason Mount contract talks

Chelsea will open contact talks with Mason Mount according to Fabrizio Romano

Romano has written that Chelsea want to negotiate a new deal for Mount by the end of the year. There is no contact with his representatives yet, but they will explore a longer association when the time is right.

Mount’s present deal runs until 2024, so Chelsea do not want to risk a repeat of what has happened with their defenders. Rather than letting his deal run down, they want their homegrown product to remain integral to their future.

Mason Mount was questioning Chelsea future

Mason Mount dejected after Chelsea concede

On paper, it would seem a deal for Mount to extend his Chelsea stay should be straightforward. He has been with the club since the age of six and has amassed 141 first-team appearances.

However, a report back in November cast doubt on his willingness to stay. The Daily Star wrote that he felt frustrated at his lack of appreciation.

A source told them at the time: “Mason is a top lad and thought of well within Chelsea, and is popular with the team. But he isn’t feeling appreciated anymore.

“He’s been at Chelsea since he was a tiny lad. But despite coming up through the academy, he doesn’t feel like he gets the same treatment or recognition as players bought in for big money.”

The club will be hoping they will have changed his mind for the better by the time it comes to discuss his new deal.

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