Midfielders Mason Mount and Reece James are expected to pen long-term deals with their boyhood club in the immediate future.
The Blues are making big moves this summer, but none could prove to be as crucial in the long run as tying down academy graduates – and now first-team regulars – Mount and James. The pair’s contract has been an issue in the past, but, in separate interviews recently, they confirmed their desire to stay and continue their careers at their boyhood club, despite plenty of interest from elsewhere.
Two-time Chelsea Player of the Year, Mount, hopes that talks over a new deal can begin soon. Now a full England international, the 23-year-old penned a five-year extension on the eve of the 2019-20 season, extending his stay until June 2024. In the three years since he last renewed his terms, he has made 160 senior appearances for the club and scored 30 goals.
“I’ve got two years left on my contract and I’m very, very happy here. Those talks will hopefully be starting soon,”
he told the club’s website.
Mount’s words were echoed by James. The 13-cap England international confirmed his desire to continue playing for Chelsea in the immediate future, hinting that he would be open to penning a new deal with his current one only valid until 2025.
“I don’t see why anything would change, I play for Chelsea now and yeah, I’m enjoying it.”
James said.
In a further boost to Chelsea, who have lost both Andreas Christensen (Barcelona) and Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid) to expiring contracts this summer, stalwart and vice-captain Jorginho, too, confirmed his desire to extend his stay in London, despite rumours linking him to a return to Italy.
“Of course, I love Chelsea. I feel very well here and of course, I’d like to stay. But you know, there is a lot going on and we don’t know. As I said before, I am here now and I have a contract and I love to be here, I feel very well here. So I don’t think about moving anywhere,”
the midfielder remarked.
Jorginho’s current contract expires next summer. The Italy international would be eligible to talk to foreign clubs starting January 2023.
