Liverpool are reportedly viewed as the biggest threat to Chelsea over keeping Mason Mount, with the Blues more worried about the Anfield side than Premier League leaders Arsenal.
According to 90min, the Reds pose a real challenge to Chelsea in their bid to keep the England international in west London, with Liverpool keen on signing Mount as the 24-year-old is yet to decide on his future ahead of the summer.
Lauded as ‘outstanding’ by Paul Merson, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Mount for quite some time, and with Jude Bellingham no longer an option for the Merseyside giants, the Chelsea star is being viewed as the ideal alternative.
However, interest from rival clubs could hinder Liverpool’s chances in signing Mount, with Arsenal now in the conversation to sign the England international as the Gunners also look set to add to their central midfield this summer.
Indeed, the north London side’s return to the UEFA Champions League and Mikel Arteta’s work at Arsenal could make the current Premier League leaders an incredibly appealing option for Mount. However, Liverpool could still have the edge in the race.
Mount knows he will be a regular at Liverpool compared to Arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 04: Mason Mount of Chelsea applauds the fans after the draw in the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on April 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal might be on the up, yet that doesn’t make the Gunners guaranteed winners in the race for Mount, who would be wise to join Liverpool given the role the midfielder will likely have with the Merseyside giants.
Everyone is aware of the Reds’ midfield issues and how well Mount could solve these problems with his mere presence, and as a result, the 24-year-old would become an instant starter at Anfield, unlike at Arsenal where the playmaker will likely play second-fiddle to Martin Odegaard.
‘Klopp will take you away from us’: Striker fears losing Liverpool Loanee after eight assist
Aberdeen attacker Duk has told Liverpool loanee Leighton Clarkson to calm his form down – or Jurgen Klopp will take him back to Anfield.
The Dons conjured up a fine performance on Sunday afternoon as they beat Rangers 2-0 at Pittodrie.
The embarrassing defeat to Darvel seems a long time ago for Aberdeen now as interim boss Barry Robson racks up the wins.
Liam Scales and Bojan Miovski were on the scoresheet to give Aberdeen a fine win – their seventh in a row.
Liverpool loanee Clarkson was key to the victory, playing in an outstanding cross behind the Rangers defence for Miovski to finish with a diving header.
That was Clarkson’s eighth assist of the season in an Aberdeen shirt to go along with five goals as well.
The 21-year-old is shining on loan at Aberdeen, which is just what he needed after a difficult loan spell at Blackburn Rovers last season.
Aberdeen star Duk sends message to Liverpool loanee Leighton Clarkson
It’s unclear just what the future holds for Clarkson at Liverpool.
Clarkson turns 22 in October and has only ever played three times in a Liverpool shirt.
It feels like it would be hard for Clarkson to nail down a squad role at Anfield now, but Nat Phillips is proof that it can still happen.
Aberdeen will be hoping to keep hold of Clarkson for a little while longer yet, whether that’s on loan or permanently.
One man who certainly wants to see Clarkson stick around at Pittodrie is Dons striker Duk.
The Cape Verde international – real name Luis Lopes – has been a sensation for Aberdeen this season.
Duk took to Instagram on Monday to send a message to Clarkson as he celebrated three points and an assist against Rangers.
Duk begged Clarkson to stop playing so well – out of fear that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will take him back to Anfield and block a return to Aberdeen.
‘You have to stop, otherwise Klopp will take you away from us’ said Duk, no doubt echoing the sentiments of many Aberdeen fans.
Aberdeen fans would love to see Duk and Clarkson together again next season but the Reds may well break Duk’s heart by either keeping Clarkson or moving him on elsewhere.
Liverpool handed transfer boost after scouting ‘top-class’ player Jurgen Klopp love
Since Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham earlier this month, supporters have had to find a new object of their desires ahead of the Reds’ planned midfield revamp this summer.
A plethora of names continue to be linked with a switch to Anfield, with Liverpool plotting to sign at least two new midfielders. With the Reds compiling a lengthy transfer longlist, speculation is understandably rife.
“That Barella is not able to play is not bad for us,” the German said ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan last season. “He’s a really good player, a really good player and I like him a lot.
However, without such continental coffers, reports in Italy claim Inter could be forced to cash in on their prized midfielder in the summer.
The recent reversal of Juventus’ 15-point penalty for illicit transfer activity has not aided matters. The restoration of such points has seen the Old Lady climb from seventh to third in the Serie A table, and intensify the battle for Champions League qualification in Italy in the process.
Previously fifth, two points behind local-rivals AC Milan, Juventus’ restored points has dropped Inter to sixth. As things stand, such a place qualifies for the Europa Conference League play-off round, though, depending on the winners of the Coppa Italia, such a finish could still be enough for Europa League qualification.
With seven games left to play in Serie A, Inter are also two points off fourth-placed Roma, who boast a game-in-hand, five points off Juventus, and seven points off second-placed Lazio. Meanwhile, seventh-placed Atalanta, who also boast a game-in-hand, are looking to make up a five-point deficit on Barella’s side.
While Inter could still qualify for the Champions League through league position, with a two-point deficit nothing at all, they are also at risk of missing out on Europe altogether. With league clashes with the likes of Lazio, Roma, Atalanta, and runaway league-leaders Napoli remaining, their run-in is hardly the easiest.
As a result, Barella’s future is arguably up in the air. On one hand the 2020/21 Serie A champion could finish the campaign as a European champion. Yet, he could find himself lured away or even sacrificed by Inter if they find themselves in a position where they still need to raise funds.
Liverpool will continue to scout the midfielder, with Klopp and Lijnders already convinced of his talents. Whether that materialises into a transfer bid in the summer, only time will tell.