Mateo Kovacic 'keen to leave Chelsea this summer'

Having struggled for regular game time at Real Madrid, Kovacic jumped at the chance of a loan move to Chelsea in 2018, that later becoming a permanent switch a year later.

The Croatia international has since become a key player at Stamford Bridge, contributing six goals and 14 assists from 218 appearances in all competitions.

However, with Chelsea on the brink of missing out on European qualification for 2023-24, significant cutbacks will be made by the Blues in the summer.

As a result of having just over a year left on his contract and being due to turn 29 years of age next month, Kovacic is highly unlikely to be offered fresh terms by the club's hierarchy.

Chelsea are well stocked for options in that area of the pitch and potential new head coach Mauricio Pochettino may want to add his own fresh face in that area of the pitch.

Nevertheless, according to Sport1 journalist Kerry Hau, Kovacic is now unhappy at Chelsea and would like to take on a new challenge elsewhere.

Hau adds that Kovacic is on a list of potential targets for Bayern Munich, who are managed by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.

Although Konrad Laimer will arrive from RB Leipzig, Tuchel may wish to further strengthen in that area with the acquisition of Kovacic.

The report claims that Chelsea would prefer to sell to a foreign club over allowing Kovacic to link up with a potential Premier League title rival for years to come.

Last weekend, it was suggested that Manchester City were interested in negotiating a deal for Kovacic, possibly anticipating the exit of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer.

That said, Chelsea will likely settle on selling to the highest bidder, the West Londoners under extreme pressure to ensure that they fulfil FFP criteria.

Todd Boehly and co would also prefer to part ways with as many squad members as possible before June 30 so the income can be included on this season's books.