Chelsea are eyeing Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira as an option to replace Mason Mount if he decides to leave, according to ESPN.
The Blues are in a contract stand-off with Mount over a new deal. The two sides are reportedly far apart in their talks, and Chelsea are wary that he could leave this summer.
Chelsea will also be willing to sell as they will profit from his sale this summer before his contract expires in 2024.
However, the club must find a replacement if he leaves and they have landed on the Fulham midfielder, who is having an excellent season with Marco Silva’s side.
After struggling to establish himself with Manchester United, the Brazilian has become a crucial player for the high-flying Cottagers.
Pereira has bagged two goals and six assists in 27 Premier League games for the London club. He has started every league game they have played this term. He plays 2.1 key passes per game.
He is a catalyst for a Fulham side sitting ninth in the table with 39 points. They are only eight points away from Newcastle United in fifth.
Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in him. Les Parisiens see Pereira as a cost-effective option because they want to avoid further Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions.
The player’s future may lie at Fulham. He has credited Silva with bringing out the best in him.
The club will not sleep over interest in the player as he has a contract that runs until 2026 with the option for an additional year.
Fulham value Pereira at around £30 million and will be open to selling if they receive an offer.
Mount recently hired a new agency to handle his affairs. It is unclear if this will accelerate talks with the club or force an exit.
Chelsea should be wary about letting one of their best players over the past three seasons leave.
