Chelsea have been urged to ‘tactically’ offer Mason Mount a new contract in an attempt to secure a deal for their top target.
Mount’s current deal at Stamford Bridge expires in18 months and although the Blues academy graduate wants to remain in west London, talks over an extension have hit something of an impasse.
Todd Boehly is loathe to lose Mount, whom he reportedly sees as a future Chelsea captain, and wants to reward his consistent performances with a new and improved deal.
But Mount is currently among the lowest earners at the club and wants a deal to reflect his importance to the team, which has so far not been forthcoming.
But former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson doesn’t reckon Mount is worth the £300,000 per week he is reportedly after.
“I don’t think he’s [Mount] got to the level to demand £300,000-a-week,” Johnson told Metro. “Obviously he’s a good player and Chelsea won’t want to lose him but you can’t be held hostage to anyone. I can’t imagine he’s the sort of lad that would down tools if he doesn’t get £300,000-a-week.
“He doesn’t seem like that sort of fella. I don’t believe that’s true, so I think they’ll come to an arrangement eventually.”
Johnson also believes that securing Mount’s future could persuade fellow England international and best buddy Declan Rice to move to Stamford Bridge.
Johnson added: “Chelsea may have to keep Mount tactically if they do want to sign Declan Rice as well.”
Rice’s West Ham contract expires in 2025 with the club having an option for a further 12 months but he’s recently become more vocal about his desire to play at the highest level and could return to Chelsea, where he came through the academy with Mount.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported last month that he expects Rice to leave in the summer.
“I reported last summer that Declan Rice was not going to sign a new deal with West Ham and this is still the case; no agreement, so there are good chances for Declan to leave in the summer,” Romano said.
“I’m not sure about the price tag yet, as West Ham have not decided and they still feel strong on the price having an option to extend the contract for one more year.”
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