Mateo Kovacic now expects to be sold by Chelsea this summer as the Blues prepare themselves for a major overhaul.
That is according to the Evening Standard.
Chelsea are also expected to offload two other players in addition to Mateo Kovacic.
What’s the story?
Well, the Evening Standard believe the Croatia international is now preparing to be sold by the Blues alongside Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic as he finds himself with just 12 months remaining on his contract.
It is said that talks have yet to start over a new deal for Kovacic – in fact, Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard told the London Is Blue Podcast Chelsea haven’t really made any effort to keep their No.8 at Stamford Bridge.
As a result, the expectation is that the 29-year-old leaves west London this summer, while Chelsea are still able to recoup some of the £40m they initially invested in his services back in 2019.
Kovacic – who was called “fantastic” by Thomas Tuchel – has made 17 starts in the Premier League this season, although it seems as if this dismal 2022/23 campaign could now be his last at Chelsea after four years in west London.
Who could sign Kovacic from Chelsea?
By the sounds of it, the Croatian won’t be short of options this summer.
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti believes Manchester City and Newcastle are interested in his services, while Tuchel would also like to bring him to Bayern Munich.
Elsewhere – according to 90min – Jürgen Klopp would like to sign Kovacic for Liverpool, as the German aims to revamp his stale midfield department.
In our view, it is quite odd to hear that Chelsea have barely tried to extend the Linz-born playmaker’s contract, as he is someone who could be a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.
Nevertheless, after 220 appearances for the Blues so far, it seems Kovacic will be leaving Chelsea this summer.