Chelsea have rejected Manchester United’s third bid for Mason Mount, which was worth £50 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
In response, Chelsea has made a counter-proposal of £58 million plus £7 million in add-ons, and they have expressed a willingness to meet with United to find a solution.
Both clubs hope for a swift resolution to the transfer negotiations to ensure Mount does not miss pre-season and the opening games of the new campaign. Mount, who has one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge, has expressed a desire to leave Chelsea potentially, and the club wants to comply with his wishes.
Mount, a product of the Chelsea academy, has made 195 appearances for the club since his first-team debut in 2017, scoring 33 goals. He spent time on loan at Vitesse Arnhem and Derby County before establishing himself as a regular under former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.
Fans who purchased their Chelsea FC tickets in the last two seasons have seen the potential that Mount showcased, and his departure will no doubt tamper the spirits.
The move to Manchester United could provide Mount with a new opportunity, but it may be a challenging adaptation. He could replace Christian Eriksen alongside Casemiro, offering similar attacking output, set-piece delivery, and late entries into the box. Mount could also bring improved defensive intensity when out of possession.
However, there are questions about whether being better than Eriksen or United’s other midfielders would meet the club’s aspirations for future seasons.
Moises Caicedo is a #1 priority
Chelsea is progressing in pursuing Moises Caicedo, but they have yet to reach an agreement on the transfer fee with Brighton. The Ecuadorian midfielder is keen on moving to Stamford Bridge, but the fee negotiation remains complicated.
Despite the widespread interest from other Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, Chelsea is currently the only club pursuing the 21-year-old. Caicedo will leave Brighton in this window after the club denied him a move to Arsenal in January.
The involvement of Manchester City in the race has added further intrigue. Suppose Arsenal or Manchester City miss out on their primary target, Declan Rice. In that case, they might turn their attention to Caicedo as the next best option, and everyone with Chelsea FC tickets are rooting for this alternative.
Chelsea is eager to resolve the fee disagreement with Brighton swiftly. They are reportedly willing to pay £80 million for Caicedo, but Brighton is holding out for more than £100 million. It remains uncertain if Chelsea is ready to meet that asking price.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, there have been reports that Caicedo has verbally agreed to Chelsea’s contract offer, although the specific details are unknown at this point.
Chelsea is actively discussing with Brighton to find a compromise for the midfielder. They must expedite the process to avoid the potential complication of Arsenal or Manchester City entering the race, which could diminish Chelsea’s chances of signing Caicedo.
While Chelsea is also interested in Romeo Lavia, they hope to secure Caicedo’s signing without any setbacks. At present, the race for the Ecuadorian midfielder remains wide open.
Cesar Azpilicueta leaves for Inter
Cesar Azpilicueta is poised to complete a move to Inter Milan in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Spanish defender has agreed on a two-year contract with the Italian giants, with all terms fully decided upon.
As part of the arrangement, Chelsea will terminate Azpilicueta’s contract, allowing the club legend to depart in search of a new challenge. The 33-year-old has been with Chelsea for 11 years, joining from Marseille in 2012.
While at Stamford Bridge, Azpilicueta has made an impressive 508 appearances for the club, scoring 17 goals. He has also accumulated a unique collection of trophies, including two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, two Europa League titles, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup.
The loss of Azpilicueta will be keenly felt at Stamford Bridge, as he is a popular figure among the Chelsea faithful who make it to the grounds with Chelsea FC tickets.
Ziyech leaving?
While rumors suggest that Hakim Ziyech could be a potential target for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to approach such reports with caution. The 30-year-old Moroccan international had a relatively limited role at Chelsea during the 2022/23 season, featuring in only 18 Premier League games and starting just six times.
This lack of regular playing time has raised questions about his future at the club.
In January, Ziyech was reportedly in talks to join Paris Saint-Germain, but the transfer failed to materialize despite him passing a medical examination. With his hopes of playing alongside Lionel Messi dashed, Ziyech may consider joining Al Nassr, where he could potentially team up with Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ziyech’s best season was in 2020/21 when he dazzled everyone with Chelsea FC tickets with his skills, but the last two seasons have yet to be up to the mark. While he is loved by many who make it to the Chelsea games with Chelsea FC tickets, they also understand that letting him go is the best for the club.
According to sources, Al Nassr is prepared to offer Ziyech a lucrative contract, which could be enticing for the player considering his uncertain situation at Chelsea.
The prospect of more consistent game time and a fresh challenge in a different league might appeal to him. It has even been suggested that the club president, Musalli Al-Muammar, plans to personally travel to London to discuss the potential move with Ziyech.
It’s worth noting, however, that transfers are complex negotiations, and numerous factors come into play. While Ziyech may be open to a move, Chelsea’s stance on his departure and the player’s final decision is crucial in determining any potential transfer.
Additionally, the club’s plans for the upcoming season, including their assessment of Ziyech’s contributions and future role, may influence their willingness to let him go.
Moreover, Ziyech may be one of many Chelsea players who could depart Stamford Bridge for the Saudi Pro League. Last week, N’Golo Kante announced his exit from Chelsea as he plans to play for Al Ittehad, sending almost every fan who has watched him play with Chelsea FC tickets or on television into heartbreak.
Ultimately, only time will tell if Hakim Ziyech’s future lies with Al Nassr or any other club. Football fans will have to wait for official statements or concrete developments to get a clearer picture of his potential move and career direction.
More players from Chelsea, such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Callum Hudson-Odoi, are also linked with transfers to the Saudi Pro League.
The Blues will play Ryan Reynold’s Wrexham and Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea FC tickets for the friendlies are already listed for sale.
