Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has claimed Chelsea are about to make a huge mistake if they let Mason Mount leave this summer.
The England international is strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.
This is despite numerous contract offers from Todd Boehly to tie him down to a long-term deal, with the terms being similar to those accepted by Reece James earlier this season.
Mount however is far less keen, and talks with the Chelsea owner are still at a standstill.
Merson has claimed that the loss for Chelsea would be a massive mistake, with there being the potential for them to strengthen another side clear to see.
He said: “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.
Selling Mount would be a mistake
“Whoever gets Mason Mount has got the biggest result ever. The kid can play. It’s bad business by Chelsea – they should give him what he’s asking for. You don’t offload your best players.
“There are so many players that need to get shipped out of this Chelsea squad before Mount. When you hear whispers of the teams that want to buy him that tells you everything you need to know.
“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? Why would you make them stronger?
“I’m a huge fan of Mount, he’s a top-class player. He’s not playing at the moment because of his contract situation. With the size of the squad, they aren’t going to select a player who won’t sign a new contract.”
Mount has reportedly been injured for the last few Chelsea games, with the issue set to rule him out of the upcoming international break.
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