Paul Merson fires warning to Chelsea over Mason Mount as he slams ‘bad business’ attitude
CHELSEA have been told to give Mason Mount “what he’s asking for” by Arsenal legend Paul Merson.
The England international midfielder, 24, is under contract until June 2024 and is stalling negotiations on a new deal.
Mount is understood to be after a significant pay rise from his current wages of around £80,000 per week.
And he is reluctant to sign a huge long-term commitment like compatriot Reece James.
Chelsea‘s influx of players has also left Mount pushed down the pecking order.
He has appointed a new agent in order to look after his affairs as both Manchester United and City plus Liverpool chase his services despite him only scoring three times this term.
The academy graduate’s time at Stamford Bridge looks to be coming to an end, but Merson insists that owner Todd Boehly should do more to keep the ace as he blasted Chelsea’s attitude as “bad business”.
The ex-England international told Sky Sports: “Mason Mount was by far Chelsea’s best player last season. He was outstanding.
“It’s different when you come through the ranks at a football club because you cost nothing. When you get bought for a lot of money you’re viewed as more of an asset.
“You don’t offload your best players. There are so many players that need to get shipped out of this Chelsea squad before Mount.
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“The kid can play. It’s bad business by Chelsea – they should give him what he’s asking for.
“If Liverpool go and get Mount and then Jude Bellingham, who could also go to Liverpool, you’ve got a title-contending team.
“Why would you want to chance that if you’re Chelsea? Why would you make them stronger?”