Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is the subject of transfer interest from Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern Munich as his contract in west London winds down
Chelsea return to Premier League action after a fortnight away for the international break as they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have played their home games at the west London stadium since they were founded in 1905 but there has frequently been speculation they could leave for a new, higher-capacity ground in recent years. A decision on whether to move or stay put is expected later this year and in the meantime, Graham Potter cannot afford any distractions on the pitch.
Chelsea sit a lowly 10th in the Premier League after a 2-2 stalemate with Everton before the international break and will need a late-season resurgence to salvage European qualification in any capacity. There is still hope of a positive season, however, as the Blues defeated Borussia Dortmund to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face holders Real Madrid.
The first leg in mid-April will take place after top-flight clashes against Villa, Liverpool and Wolves. Here are the latest Chelsea headlines.
Mount prefers Chelsea stay
Mason Mount’s future continues to dominate headlines as Liverpool and Bayern Munich circle for the playmaker, who is out of contract next summer.
The 24-year-old Englishman has endured a sub-par campaign but has already proven his quality with his impactful, dynamic performances for club and country in recent years. Mount and Chelsea chiefs remain some distance apart as they seek to agree a new wage as part of a contract extension.
This has led to speculation he could leave his boyhood club this summer, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp a known admirer of the Three Lions star. However, Mount has made it clear he would prefer to stay put, so long as a deal can be reached for a new contract.
Chelsea dealt Gvardiol blow
Josko Gvardiol has made 33 appearances in all competitions for RB Leipzig this season ( Image: Getty Images)
Josko Gvardiol was on Chelsea’s radar long before he lit up the World Cup with Croatia – but the Blues’ hopes of signing the highly-rated centre-back have been dealt a major blow.
That is because RB Leipzig are ready to stand firm in the face of a glut of summer interest in the 21-year-old, according to Sky Sport Deutschland. The report claims the Bundesliga club are not considering selling Gvardiol this summer – even for €100million (£88m) – as they want to keep him for at least another year.
Stamford Bridge decision expected
Chelsea aim to decide whether they will continue to play their home games at Stamford Bridge or move away this summer.
The Times reports there are three options on the table for Todd Boehly and his staff: completely rebuilding the stadium, redeveloping it or moving to a new, 60,000-seater ground in Earl’s Court. The American owner wants home games to be played at a state-of-the-art venue but moving away from Chelsea’s spiritual home would almost certainly be met with serious backlash.
Source: mirror.co.uk
