Fabrizio Romano's Daily Briefing
https://caughtoffside.substack.com/p/excl-man-utd-still-pushing-for-mason#§man-utd-have-mason-mount-alternatives-but-transfer-face-off-with-Chelsea-continues
EXCL: Man Utd still PUSHING for Mason Mount but have alternatives, Declan Rice race remains OPEN, plus Eddie Nketiah, Jeremie Frimpong & Mohammed Kudus updates
My latest exclusive column, featuring major stories at Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal, and more!
Man Utd have Mason Mount alternatives but transfer face-off with Chelsea continues
The position of Manchester United on Mason Mount remains very clear - the interest is still there, the idea to sign him is still there. Their final bid of £50m plus £5m add-ons is still valid, still on the table. United consider it their final bid, and even though Chelsea have rejected it for now, United consider it still valid, so if Chelsea change their minds, United are prepared to complete the deal.
Chelsea’s stance is still that they have asked for a package worth £65m, add-ons included. For United, the intention is clear - they have no intention to arrive at that fee, they want to pay £55m.
Of course Man United have alternatives in case this move doesn’t work out, but I’m still told the focus now is on the Mount deal. They want to get it done at their conditions, the situation will be discussed again this week; in or out, for sure. Man United don’t want any extra-tax just because they spent big money on players recently; fair price or nothing.
But it’s also worth saying that Man United feel Mount will not sign new deal at Chelsea and only wants to join them. Chelsea will look to clarify the situation in conversations with Mount, but for now, my understanding is that the player’s position is clear - he leaves now, or he moves on a free transfer next year. He’s not going to extend his contract, so this is the situation Chelsea are facing.
Despite reports, I’m not aware of Bayern Munich working to hijack this deal. Thomas Tuchel is a big fan, but they have different priorities, including centre-back and a striker. At the moment, there is also no signal from Liverpool in terms of joining the race, as they’re busy with other midfielders, and also Mount is focused on United. He’s really focused on Manchester United as next step for his career; and one of the reasons why Man Utd insist a lot is that they feel Mount only wants them.
Declan Rice’s future still open, plus interest in Eddie Nketiah
We heard a lot about an official Manchester City bid for Declan Rice, and it could still happen, but also Arsenal plan to submit a third proposal for the West Ham United captain this week. The race remains open between Man City and Arsenal, waiting for the bids and also for West Ham position. Payment terms will also be important, West Ham want big money paid now and not in four or five instalments.
As I revealed a couple of days ago, contacts have taken place between City and Rice on the player side. Mikel Arteta has been trying his best to sign Rice for Arsenal, but City are still there as well. Nothing is decided yet, but we could have a crucial few days ahead.
Reminder: Arsenal will also bid again for Jurrien Timber. Personal terms are no issue, they’ve already been agreed with the Ajax defender.
Finally, on another Arsenal rumour, I’m honestly not convinced about reports that Eddie Nketiah could be sold this summer. He signed a new deal last year, and he’s always been highly rated at Arsenal. For sure there are many clubs who have been tracking Nketiah for a long time but nothing is concrete in terms of chances to leave the club now.
Other players to keep an eye on…
Mohammed Kudus - At the moment, Brighton are really pushing for the Ajax star. Let’s see if other clubs enter the race but it’s not something concrete at this stage. Brighton will try, they know it’s a very difficult deal due to asking price and more factors, but they are in talks. The precise price tag is not clear yet, I will update on that later this week.
Jeremie Frimpong - Formally he has not changed agent; his agent Jeffrey Lemmert has partnered with new agency to work together on Frimpong’s future. His agent met Bayern, Barcelona and Man United in April but nothing is advanced at this stage for the fullbacks market in general, same for Joao Cancelo and Denzel Dumfries. I think his asking price could be around £30-35m.
