Mato Kovacic is heading for the Chelsea exit (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Mateo Kovacic is heading ever closer to the exit door at Chelsea after it emerged that Todd Boehly is yet to initiate contract talks with the midfielder.
The former Real Madrid star is a fans’ favourite at Stamford Bridge and his ball-carrying quality from midfield is up there with the best midfielders in Europe.
However, Kovacic, a £40m signing in 2018, has seen his minutes reduced this season due to injury.
With Enzo Fernandez arriving for £107m and the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka coming through, Kovacic faces an uncertain future at the club.
The Croatia international is keen to remain at Stamford Bridge but he’s watched on as the club have started talks with N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount over contract extensions.
Kovacic has 18 months to run (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
That’s despite the fact that Kovacic is in the same boat as Mount in that he also has 18 months to run on his deal.
At 28, Kovacic knows this is likely to be his last ‘major’ contract in football and he’s unwilling to accept reduced terms.
Chelsea are wary of Financial Fair Play rules after spending £600m across the last two windows.
They are open to extending Kovacic’s deal but he will have to fit within the pay structure that is being implemented at the club.
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He’s a fans’ favourite.