Report: Chelsea will not stop their £40m player from leaving this summer if he wants out

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Reports have claimed that Chelsea will not stand in the way of Mateo Kovacic if he chooses to leave the club at the end of the season.

According to the Evening Standard, Manchester City are interested in signing the 28-year-old who has just over a year left on his contract.

This season has been very stop-start for the majority of the Blues, however that description suits Kovacic better than most.

Injuries early in the season disrupted his ability to feature on a regular basis before disappearing to represent his country at the World Cup.

Despite the third place finish and the strong individual performances, the Croatian will surely feel as if he could have performed better this season.

Chelsea open to Kovacic leaving

Since January, he has been forming a regular partnership in midfield with club-record signing Enzo Fernandez.

While the duo has looked strong at times, it is certain that the Argentine could have a partner better suited to what he needs alongside him.

This is perhaps available in the form of N’golo Kante. The Frenchman has recently returned from injury after not being available since August.

With the club not looking to push him too hard following an extended lay-off, he has only currently started both Champions League games against Real Madrid since his return.

Knate’s reported imminent contract extension could see Kovacic left out in the cold, and therefore back up reports that he may be allowed to leave this summer.

With Jorginho having recently left after not extending his contract, it would mean the Chelsea midfield is likely to take a very different look from next season to the one that fans have become accustomed to in recent years.