Newcastle United look set to hand Chelsea a double transfer blow in the summer, with the Magpies reportedly eyeing moves for Mason Mount and Declan Rice. The two childhood friends have both been heavily linked with exits from their respective clubs recently, and they could reunite in the summer.
Mount faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge having recently entered the final 14 months of his deal. football.london understands that negotiations over an extension have proven difficult thus far with the proposed length of the contract and wage packet proving to be an issue.
The 24-year-old is far from one of the top earners at Chelsea despite racking up nearly 200 appearances for the club. Contrary to various reports, it's said that the Cobham graduate wants to stay at his boyhood club but the feeling is mutual that either party is some way off an agreement at the moment.
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If either side cannot reach an agreement over a new contract then Mount will be free to leave the Blues in June 2024. football.london understands that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the midfielder, meanwhile Manchester City and Manchester United are thought to be keeping tabs on the situation.
With regard to Rice, football.london understand that Arsenal hold a strong interest in the 24-year-old. But, it's also believed that the West Ham remains a key target for Chelsea too.
With Rice and Mount both potentially set for big summer moves, the Daily Mail state that Eddie Howe is keen on the £123.3million-rated duo. However, Newcastle are reluctant to table offers in excess of the £120,000-a-week.
Emmanuel Petit is hoping that Chelsea can tie Mount down to a new deal in west London. Speaking to LegalSportsBooks.com, the Frenchman said: "He’s one of their few homegrown players from the Chelsea academy. Mason Mount is not stupid. He’s been tremendous for Chelsea the last couple of years.
"He has the DNA of the club and the fans love him. Can you imagine what the mindset of the fans could be at the end of the season if they see Mason Mount leave the club?
"He has seen the club splash millions on new players and wages and he’s probably thinking ‘ok you can spend millions on new players who have no link with Chelsea, whilst I’ve been here for years and years shown loyalty to the club and done everything I can on the pitch. I deserve a proper contract now.’ I can understand his frustration."
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