Chelsea's homegrown talent Mason Mount is in the market as one of the most in-demand midfielders this summer. With Manchester United as the frontrunners to land the gifted Englishman, Chelsea will be keen to secure a top-quality replacement for their academy graduate.
Manchester United's latest, third bid for Mason Mount has been turned down by Chelsea. However, the Blues have expressed a willingness to engage in face-to-face negotiations in an attempt to finalize the deal. Erik ten Hag's side submitted an offer of £55 million ($69.9 million) with potential additional payments on Friday, but it was rejected by Chelsea.
Mount has carved out a significant legacy at Chelsea following his development through the club's academy. His exceptional performances on the pitch, technical prowess, and dedication have cemented his status as a promising young talent and a valuable asset for the team.
Over the course of past weeks, several names have been linked for a potential move to Stamford Bridge. Following are four potential candidates who could fill the crucial role at Chelsea's midfield and replace Mason Mount.
Moises Caicedo
The 21-year-old Brighton star has is Chelsea's priority target currently. The Blues saw their first bid of £60 rejected for Caicedo and are already rumoured to set a second, improved bid to land the Ecuadorian. The young talent was subject to two bids from Arsenal in the January transfer window before renewing his deal with the Seagulls.
Caicedo possesses remarkable speed, agility, and a fierce competitive spirit, complemented by his impressive passing accuracy. His ability to anticipate plays and execute well-timed tackles has made him a specialist in winning back possession. In fact, this season, only Fulham's Joao Palhinha has recorded more tackles than Caicedo in the Premier league.
Cesare Casadei
“I’ve embarked on a journey that isn’t a short-term mission. The club is investing in young players and I aim to be part of its project," said the Italian starlet after moving to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan in August 2022. The 20-year-old is determined to showcase his abilities to incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino and secure a place in Chelsea's first team for the upcoming season.
The talented Italian youngster received widespread acclaim after achieving the impressive feat of winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the recent Under-20 World Cup, which followed his debut for the senior team during a loan spell with Reading.
Romeo Lavia
Chelsea and Liverpool have surpassed Arsenal in the race to land Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to Football Tranfers. The Gunners' potential move for the Belgian player is currently on hold until the transfer situations involving Rice and Partey are resolved. Southampton, on the other hand, is not willing to wait for Arsenal to make a decision as they are eager to finalize sales and sign new players following their relegation to the Championship to bolster their squad as soon as possible.
This situation can benefit the London Blues if they approach the club faster than their rivals. The 19-year-old's performance in the Premier League stands out positively among midfielders when it comes to winning possession, succeeding in duels, and making tackles.
Gabri Veiga
Veiga has played a pivotal role for Celta Vigo in the previous season, displaying his skill as an attacking midfielder by scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in various competitions. His outstanding performances have caught the interest of numerous Premier League teams, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcaste United, leaving his destination yet to be determined.
The 19-year-old Spainard's release clause is reportedly £30m. The Blues' potential acquisition of Veiga, described by Carlo Ancelotti as a talented player, may be a smooth process since the Spain Under-21 international is unlikely to be concerned about Chelsea's absence from European competitions next season due to his current club's lack of European involvement.
