Chelsea's loss could very much be Real Madrid's gain if the West London club isn't careful, as a new report is linking Mason Mount with a move to Spain.
The England international is thought to be feeling undervalued at Chelsea, as despite being one of the side's most important members, he hasn't been afforded the same provisions as some of his more distinguished teammates.
The 22-year-old came up through the club's academy system, gradually growing into his current status as one of Thomas Tuchel's best-attacking assets.
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And yet, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Los Blancos are willing to test the waters with a bid for Mount - should he decide to quit his boyhood club.
The player's exit would come as a bitter blow to Tuchel, and to Chelsea as a whole. Mount was vitally important in last season's Champions League triumph, as it was the England man's through ball that teed up Kai Havertz's match-winning goal in the final.
Nevertheless, six months later, a Daily Star report suggests that frustrations lie beneath the surface.
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Their claim is that Mount still feels like a youth product at the club, and that he isn't treated with the same degree of respect as other stars like N'Golo Kante and Romelu Lukaku.
One solution to this could be a wage hike in the form of a new deal, with negotiations already thought to be underway.
But if nothing can be agreed upon, you can certainly expect some of Europe's biggest clubs to express their interest in the coming months.
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A source close to the player told The Star: "Mason is a top lad and thought of well within Chelsea, and is popular with the team. But he isn't feeling appreciated anymore."
"He's been at Chelsea since he was a tiny lad, but despite coming up through the Academy, he doesn't feel like he gets the same treatment or recognition as players bought in for big money."
The midfielder is currently on £75k a week, making him one of the lowest earners in the first team.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Mason Mount, Chelsea, Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel, Premier League, Romelu Lukaku, N'Golo Kante, Real Madrid, La Liga