Chelsea reject Manchester United opening bid for Mason Mount

• Manchester United have submitted the opening bid for summer target Mason Mount
• The Chelsea midfielder is a midfield summer target for Manchester United 
• Chelsea have however rejected the opening bid as they intend to scoop their asking price of £70m

In the opening move of what could become a transfer saga, Manchester United has had a £40m bid for midfielder Mason Mount rejected by Chelsea. Mount, an England international, has shown no inclination to extend his contract with Chelsea, which has led to speculation about his future. With just one year remaining on his current deal, Chelsea is open to selling him this summer if their asking price of approximately £70m is met.

United is eager to bring Mount to Old Trafford but disagrees with Chelsea’s valuation of the 24-year-old. The fact that Mount could leave on a free transfer at the end of the upcoming season influences United’s stance. Initial reports suggested that United made a £40m bid for Mount, but Chelsea promptly turned it down.

Chelsea has made it clear to United that they expect £70m for Mount and are willing to retain the midfielder if their demands are not met during the summer transfer window. While United is expected to return with an improved bid, potentially reaching closer to £50m, they are reluctant to go any higher and would require Chelsea to lower their asking price in order to finalize a deal.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has agreed personal terms with Manchester United but United’s opening bid has been rejected by Chelsea. | PHOTO: Sky Sports |

READ: Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount agrees terms with Manchester United

Officials at Manchester United believe that Chelsea will eventually reduce their demands, but sources at Chelsea are resolute that they will not be coerced into selling Mount at a discounted price. Incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his desire to retain Mount at Stamford Bridge. However, no progress has been made regarding a contract extension, leaving room for other clubs, including United, to exploit the uncertainty surrounding Mount’s future.

Arsenal is among the numerous clubs interested in Mount. They have also initiated contact with Chelsea regarding forward Kai Havertz, although they have not yet made a formal bid. Similar to the situation with United and Mount, there is a significant disparity in valuation between Chelsea and Arsenal for Havertz.

As the transfer window progresses, the negotiations between Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as other interested parties, will likely continue. The outcome hinges on whether United is willing to increase their offer and if Chelsea is willing to reconsider their asking price for Mount. Until then, the future of Mason Mount remains uncertain, with multiple clubs monitoring the situation closely.