Jesus doing Liverpool no favours as major transfer could be blocked

Chelsea can look no further than the example of Gabriel Jesus when it comes to deciding Mason Mount’s future. Mount, who has just 18 months remaining on his contract, is believed to be of interest to Premier League rivals Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and now seems ready to complete a shock early exit from the club whose academy he graduated. An influx of midfield signings has pushed him closer to the exit than he has ever been before.

But Liverpool’s pursuit of the England playmaker could be impacted by Manchester City’s decision to allow striker Jesus to join Arsenal last summer. Jesus had found himself in a similar situation to Mount – demoted in Pep Guardiola’s plans after the signing of Erling Haaland and forced to find a new challenge.

In hindsight, City might now regret that decision. Jesus has played a key role in a shock Premier League title challenge at Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s side now eight points clear of City.

Despite missing much of the last few months with a knee injury he suffered at the World Cup, Jesus has scored five goals and registered six assists in 16 Premier League appearances. The 25-year-old’s contribution has put the Gunners on the cusp of beating his former club to the league title.

Chelsea will look at Jesus coming back to haunt an old side and might decide against allowing Mount to Liverpool. The Reds are set to overhaul their midfield in the summer and have apparently earmarked Mount as a top target, alongside his England team-mate Jude Bellingham.

But Chelsea will never forgive themselves if Mount played a major role in helping Liverpool beat the Blues to a trophy. Should Mount decide he wants a fresh start somewhere else, the West Londoners would surely prefer that he reunites with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.