Few hours after it was alleged that Manchester United had tabled an improved bid for Chelsea academy graduate Mason Mount. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the London club has rejected the Red Devils offer for the 24 year old.
"Chelsea have rejected Manchester Utd second, official bid for Mason Mount. It was sent today and rejected after few hours. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
Proposal was worth £50m as called by The Athletic — Chelsea always wanted more.
Man United will not pay ‘crazy’ fee but talks will continue."
Man United have today made an improved bid for Mason Mount. Proposal £45 + £5m add-ons. Chelsea countered with £60 + £5m. No agreement but getting closer as per The Athletic.
Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "#Mount, talks between #Chelsea and #ManUTD are progressing. MUFC are ready for the new bid: as told, they are confident to convince #CFC with ~£50m. The Blues - who are working also on some exists - want to sell to unlock the incoming market."
The west Londoners are reportedly asking for roughly £70 million for the academy product, despite the fact that the 24-year-old has only one year left on his present deal. It is unclear if that prospective new offer would be sufficient to persuade the Blues to sell.
Although, Mason Mount had a dismissal 2023/2024 season but his talent is undeniable. Described as a "complete player" by Stamford Bridge icon Gianfranco Zola, Mount may wind up becoming United's answer to Martin Odegaard, the captain of Arsenal, who can also excel in an advanced midfield position or as a number eight.
The former Real Madrid player, who was praised as a "super footballer" by former Red Devils player Owen Hargreaves, played a pivotal role in the Gunners' unsuccessful title bid last season after scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists in 37 league appearances.
The Englishman has an exceptional record of 5.95 progressive passes per 90 over the last 365 days, according to FBref, while Odegaard is just ahead with an average of 7.74 per 90 for that same metric. Their similarities to Mount can be seen in their immense creative quality and their ability to provide incisive, forward passes.
Both players began their professional careers on loans at Eredivisie team Vitesse Arnhem. Mount initially made a name for himself with the Dutch team during the 2017–18 season, scoring 14 goals and dishing out ten assists in just 39 games across all competitions.
The young player was selected the club's Player of the Year as a result of such impressive play, which apparently drew Ten Hag's attention at the time. Vitesse then lined up Odegaard as his obvious successor for the ensuing season.
The current Emirates star, who scored 11 goals and contributed 13 assists of his own in that 2018–19 season before agreeing to another loan deal with Real Sociedad, surely managed to imitate Mount's brilliance to help jumpstart his professional career.
Ten Hag may have his own version of Odegaard on his hands next season if an agreement with Todd Bohely and company can be reached, as the latter player is now excelling under Mikel Arteta's guidance. A move to United could also help the Chelsea magician to regain the type of form that he displayed in the Netherlands.