Former Arsenal man Paul Merson has revealed the very first ‘mind-blowing’ mistake Chelsea have made in Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as the club’s boss.
The former Arsenal winger noted that allowing Mason Mount, who has just over 12 months remaining on his current contract, to join Manchester United this summer would be a grave mistake for the Blues.
Chelsea’s hierarchy appears unwilling to offer the England international a new deal that would draw him level with the club’s top earners and the midfielder has taken the decision to leave his boyhood club.
Liverpool and Arsenal are said to be in the race to sign the 24-year-old from the west London side but United look set to win the first significant transfer battle of the summer.
The Red Devils are said to have agreed personal terms with the player and although there is a discrepancy around the transfer fee.
Merson is stunned that the Blues have decided against ceding to the player’s demands and risk upsetting their new manager.
He told Sky Sports, “I cannot believe Chelsea are letting Mason Mount go.
“We saw it last season with Antonio Rudiger, who was outstanding and one of the best defenders at the club. He asked for more money and they didn’t give him it and then they bought Kalidou Koulibaly for £33m on a four-year contract which works out as more money than what they’d give Rudiger.
“Now they’re doing it with Mount. He’s one of their own, he hasn’t had a very good season but they’re judging it just on one season. The year before he was Chelsea’s best player.
“You’re also letting a very good footballer go to Manchester United or Liverpool, who Chelsea are fighting with to get into the top four next season. You couldn’t write it.
“How can you let him go to a club that could majorly haunt you? United won’t believe their luck if they get him.”
