Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola ‘shocked’ by Mason Mount’s transfer to Manchester United

Chelsea hero Gianfranco Zola says he is surprised Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic were allowed to leave Stamford Bridge for Manchester United and Manchester City, respectively.

Mount secured a £55million move to Old Trafford this month while Kovacic was allowed to depart for just £25m. Todd Boehly was keen to offload players who had a year left on their deals as he tried to balance Financial Fair Play rules amid a mammoth spend since his takeover.

Both Mount and Kovacic have made their unofficial debuts for their new teams in pre-season, the pair two of 13 players to have already been shown the door at Stamford Bridge this summer.

Zola says he has been taken aback by Chelsea’s willingness to allow so many players to leave, in particular Mount and Kovacic. He branded them as ‘key’ stars in the midfield last season and outlined what United are gaining in Mount.

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Speaking to talkSPORT, Zola said: “I am surprised to have seen so many players leaving. I was surprised to see Mason (Mount) leaving, also (Mateo) Kovacic. They were very, very important players not only for the quality they used to give to the team but in Mason, one of the midfielders who will score goals. In my opinion they are a big miss.”

There is ambiguity over Chelsea’s expectations for next season with Mauricio Pochettino taking over an unsteady ship. They are not expected to make a push for the title but could challenge for the top four.

A Champions League spot this time around is a non-negotiable objective for United after last season’s top four finish.