Inter Milan to compete with Chelsea for Kovačić’s signature — report

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Inside Futbol), Inter Milan are “plotting” a move for their former player Mateo Kovačić, and are interested in signing him on loan from Real Madrid for next season.

Kovačić has spent the 2018-19 season at Stamford Bridge, earning mixed reviews, but has apparently done enough to generate interest from the club in turning the loan into a permanent stay. Recent reports claim that while Chelsea remain under a transfer ban, we would still be allowed to keep Kovačić (transfer or loan) as he would not be deemed a new registration by FIFA.

However, Inter could provide some solid competition in this regard. Coincidentally (or not), they are reportedly also the leading candidates for Antonio Conte’s next job, and have been linked with a couple other players with history at Stamford Bridge, namely Romelu Lukaku, currently at Manchester United, and Victor Moses, who is on loan from Chelsea at Fenerbahçe (at least for now).

Kovačić seems to have enjoyed his time in London so far and has spoken highly of the Premier League, so Chelsea could have an advantage over Nerazzurri. But Kovačić had the best seasons of his young career so far at Inter, and the opportunity to work with Conte could hold sway as well. Stay tuned!