Chelsea appear to have made a decision over Mateo Kovacic’s contract situation at the club. The midfielder has entered the final 18 months of his current deal, and could depart for free when it expires next summer.
As such, there have been suggestions that Todd Boehly and co. could opt to cash in this summer with a queue of clubs interested in the midfielder’s services. A decision one way or the other was always likely to be made ahead of this season’s conclusion, as the board have made their stance clear over not allowing players to enter the final year of their contract, as was the case with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger.
Kovacic is one of a number of players whose future needs resolving over the coming weeks, with a mass exodus anticipated at Stamford Bridge. A significant trimming down of the playing staff is expected to allow Graham Potter to reduce the size of his bloated squad.
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However, it now appears unlikely that Kovacic will be among the individuals bidding farewell to this part of west London this summer. As reported by the Times, the club is keen to extend Kovacic’s contract beyond the current 2024 expiry date.
This comes as the Croatian has taken even more responsibility over the last week, as he has donned the captain’s armband in the absence of César Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Reece James. By signing the 28-year-old up longer-term, the ownership hope this will fend off reported interest from Manchester City and AC Milan, as well as other keen European onlookers.
City are said to be monitoring Kovacic’s situation, with Pep Guardiola a notable admirer. Meanwhile, Pianeta Milan claim Milan chiefs met with the player and his representatives to discuss a potential transfer when the Italian outfit took on Tottenham in the Champions League.
Having initially joined on loan in 2018, Kovacic is now into his fifth season at Chelsea after his move was made permanent the following summer for a fee in excess of £40 million. He has played more than 200 matches for the club, and helped them win the Champions League in 2021.
This campaign has been another profitable one for the midfielder, having featured 26 times for his club either side of firing Croatia to a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup. Potter spoke of Kovacic’s importance to the side after a crucial week for the club: “He’s been the captain in both games (vs Leeds and Borussia Dortmund), that tells you how influential he is.
“He’s a fantastic guy, I really like him. Determined, character, courage to take the ball in tight situations, he’s fantastic.
“You can see what he’s achieved in his career for his national team, and for us at Chelsea. He’s an important player for us.”
While Kovacic’s Chelsea future appears a little bit more secure, speculation continues to swirl over many of his teammates. Talks with Mason Mount have been put on hold until the summer while Edouard Mendy’s discussions have also stalled, although N’Golo Kante is reportedly close to extending.
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