Pundit Paul Merson has suggested that Chelsea could sell star midfielder Mason Mount this summer, after claims Liverpool are keen to sign him.
Writing in his Premier League predictions column for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal hero claimed Graham Potter’s side could look to part ways with academy graduates – players like Conor Gallagher and Mount – in order to make money back on their recent transfer spree.
“I’m not sure if he’s [Potter] the one bringing these players in,” said Merson.
“I’m watching these players and I wonder whether these signings are better than the players they’ve got.
“They are absolutely not. So why are they buying these players?
“They might very well offload players like Mason Mount and Conor Gallager and profit off their sales because they are academy graduates.
“And then suddenly, they’ll figure out that the club has lost its soul.”
Merson thinks Chelsea will sell Mount
According to The Evening Standard, Liverpool are the front-runners to sign Mount this summer.
Currently in a stand-still with his boyhood club over a new deal, the 24-year-old is set to be out of contract in June 2024.
With this in mind, Chelsea might be forced to cash-in on the England international at the end of the season, as they could run the risk of losing him on a free transfer next year.
Therefore, Mount could be sold in a cut-price deal, which would see the Reds boost their homegrown quota, with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner out of contract this summer.
Jurgen Klopp is actually a big fan of the midfielder. Back in 2019, he called him a ‘£60m player’ – alluding to his obvious quality.
At this stage, we’re unsure how Chelsea will resolve their contract disputes, so Liverpool may be in luck for a summer transfer.