Mason Mount 'would prefer to stay at Chelsea'

Mason Mount is reportedly hopeful of extending his stay at Chelsea despite links of a possible departure this summer.

The 24-year-old faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge as his contract is due to expire at the end of next season.

With Mount's contract talks stalling and the midfielder at risk of leaving the club for free in July 2024, Chelsea have allegedly told him that he is free to leave this summer, and a host of top European clubs have subsequently entered the race for his signature.

In the Premier League, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all been credited with an interest, while Arsenal are also said to be closely monitoring his situation.

A potential summer switch to either Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich – now managed by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel – or Serie A giants Juventus has also been mooted for the England international.

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It is understood that Liverpool are currently leading the race for Mount's signature, with Jurgen Klopp's side expected to prioritise reinforcing their midfield ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

The Athletic reports that the Reds hold a 'serious' interest in Mount and have given 'proper consideration' to the contract that they could offer to persuade the Englishman to swap Stamford Bridge for Anfield.

However, the report adds that Mount's priority has always been to remain at Chelsea, even though contract negotiations with the Blues have failed to reach an advanced stage.

Earlier this month, head coach Graham Potter revealed that he has spoken to Mount about his contract situation on 'numerous' occasions and admitted that 'complicated' discussions are taking place at the club regarding his future.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea's 3-1 win at Leicester City just under three weeks ago, Potter said: "Ultimately [the contract] is between the club and Mason.

"I have spoken to him numerous times about his situation, football and life generally. My feelings for Mason are clear. He is a fantastic person firstly but sometimes these things happen.

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"They are just complicated and it is best that I speak little about it, let them get on with it in deciding what is right for both parties.

"I am not naive. I know it is an important time for him and an important contract. These things have to be right for him and his family. It's important he makes a decision on that basis."

Following successful loan spells with Vitesse and Derby County, Mount broke into Chelsea's first team in 2019 under former boss Frank Lampard and has since developed into a key player at Stamford Bridge.

Mount has contributed with 33 goals and 37 assists in 192 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, and has won three trophies including the 2020-21 Champions League.

The 36-cap England international has experienced a challenging 2022-23 campaign, though, scoring only three goals and providing two assists in 23 Premier League games, with Chelsea languishing in 10th place in the table.

Mount is not the only Chelsea midfielder who has been linked with a summer departure, as the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N'Golo Kante are also said to be facing uncertain futures, with the latter out of contract in June.