Mateo Kovacic deal set to be finalised -- report

With the transfer ban looming, Chelsea had the option to sign only two players this summer before June 30, namely Mateo Kovacic and Gonzalo Higuain. Chelsea have, thus, taken the option to sign Kovacic, the younger and more useful option among the two, on a permanent basis with an agreed fee of around €50m (including bonuses) with Real Madrid reported a couple of days ago.

Today, Di Marzio reports that the last remaining minor details of the transfer has been completed with Chelsea agreeing personal terms with Kovacic, who is set to sign a long term deal with the club today.

Kovacic found himself largely unsettled at Real Madrid for the last 3 years with irregular gametime but at Chelsea, he has been trusted far more, with his versatility allowing him to fill in all 3 midfield positions under Maurizio Sarri, amassing 3087 minutes in the process. While his performances have varied from underwhelming to good to great, as seen in the Europa League final, there is hope that the inconsistency will gradually wash away with a year in the Premier League under his belt.

Chelsea’s lack of a transfer window and Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s long term injury makes Kovacic’ acquisition a must and the midfielder has plenty of experience of Champions League football which is sure to help Chelsea next season.