Manchester United's next bid to sign Chelsea star Mason Mount will definitely be the last one. After beginning negotiations with a £45million offer, the Blues have been able to get the latest proposal from Erik ten Hag's side in excess of £55million, as per a report from The Times., and there are several reasons why it must be accepted.
Firstly, on the player side, Mount has given a large portion of his life to the club and now, due to a number of reasons, that spell is coming to an end regardless of what happens in the next month. The 24-year-old wants the move to Old Trafford and has again reiterated he will not sign a new deal and after many years of service, the very least the club could do is grant him that request.
Not only does it benefit Mount, but it also quite clearly is the best solution for the club. Chelsea are getting up to £60million for a player who this time next year would be available on a free transfer. They have also negotiated to get Man United's valuation up significantly to the point where they are threatening to abandon the deal.
It is a risky strategy, and while thus far it has paid off, it would be very easy for Erik ten Hag to leave negotiations and look elsewhere. While business would stop between the two clubs directly, they could easily be involved with each other again but this time for Brighton's Moises Caicedo, who United could chase if they can't agree a deal for Mount, according to the Guardian.
Not only would Chelsea be losing out on a superb windfall chance but they could also be beaten in a battle for Caicedo's signature. While the Blues' project is seen as appealing by many, Man United can offer European football and a chance to play alongside Casemiro which could be considered a little bit more attractive when compared to Enzo Fernandez.
That one-on-one race for his services could also easily become a three-way battle if a few more transfer dominos go against Chelsea. West Ham star Declan Rice is the primary target for Arsenal, football.london understands, but Manchester City are set to rival them for his signature with a £90million proposal on the way as the player is open to both moves, although his preference is to remain in London.
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However, the appeal of playing under Pep Guardiola could be too strong and if Rice chooses Man City, it leaves Chelsea in a very difficult place. The Gunners bid twice for Caicedo in January and a statement hinting he wanted the move from the player himself presents a worry for Chelsea if Arsenal re-enter the race for his signature.
Ahead of the summer window, there was mild talk of an ambitious swoop for both Caicedo and Rice, but it soon became very clear Rice was the main focus. To avoid this scenario, the task is simple for Todd Boehly and co. - accept Man United's next proposal and finalise that move quickly.
That way it is highly unlikely ten Hag shows an interest in Caicedo and therefore it is one less team to worry about. Chelsea are more focused on selling Mount than bidding for Caicedo, so based on that, wrapping up the Mount saga swiftly means the priority becomes the Ecuador international.
Therefore, regardless of what happens with Rice, Chelsea have the funds to sign Caicedo before Arsenal can react if they are beaten to the West Ham skipper by Man City.
Who should Chelsea keep or sell this summer...?
