Chelsea set to sell Mateo Kovacic this summer

Chelsea will sell midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer, according to The Guardian. The Blues have not progressed in their talks with the 29-year-old over a new deal.

Kovacic is ready to end his five-year association with the Londoners.

The Croatian international first arrived on loan from Real Madrid and was quite inconsistent under Maurizio Sarri. 

There was a lot of debate about whether to make his loan permanent, but new coach Frank Lampard urged them to do it.

Kovacic signed for Chelsea on a five-year deal in 2019 for around £45 million.

In his first season following his permanent signing, he was Chelsea’s Player of the Year in the 2019/20 campaign.

Kovacic has become a stalwart in Chelsea’s midfield, even captaining them sometimes this season.

He was part of the Chelsea team that won the UEFA Champions League, the Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Also, he reached the FA and EFL Cup semi-finals. The trophy haul in England adds to his medals from Real Madrid.

In Madrid, he won La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, and more.

Kovacic is ready to move on, and Chelsea want to sell. Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Manchester United are interested in his signature.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is the new manager of Bayern, and he could come back for his former midfielder. 

The Bavarians are looking for a new number six in midfield, and Kovacic is on their shortlist.

Also, Man City have shown interest in Kovacic. Pep Guardiola is looking for a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who will leave at the end of the season.

The Cityzens have their eyes on the former Inter Milan midfielder. They also targeted Jude Bellingham, but he is off to Real Madrid.

Chelsea have a bloated squad and will be looking to sell several stars this summer. 

After failing to make progress in their talks with Kovacic, he will likely be one of the players to leave. Chelsea will want to avoid losing him for free in 2024.