Chelsea star ‘offers himself’ to AC Milan ahead of potential summer departure amid Man City interest

Mateo Kovacic is set to be the subject of a transfer tug-of-war this summer with several clubs interested in his signature.

The 28-year-old is out of contract next summer and Chelsea‘s recent decision to not allow players to go into the final year of their deals will mean Kovacic‘s future at Stamford Bridge is decided prior to the 2023/24 campaign.

Manchester City have previously been linked with the Croatia international and could make a move this summer should Pep Guardiola act on the club’s interest. City are set to bolster their midfield in the transfer window, with several European clubs also interested in the services of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.

As reported by the Daily Telegraph, ‘Chelsea are thought to be aware they could face competition over Kovacic’ if they wish to keep the midfielder.

Whether or not Kovacic stays at Chelsea remains unclear, but claims from Pianeta Milan suggest he is looking to leave at the end of the season.

During AC Milan’s trip to London last week when they faced Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League, Rossoneri chiefs Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara had a ‘very interesting meeting’ at a hotel in the capital.

They met with Kovacic and his entourage, with the Chelsea player claimed to have ‘offered himself’ to the Serie A outfit because he intends to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Kovacic has already spent time at the San Siro with AC’s rivals Inter. He spent two-and-a-half years there between January 2013 and the summer of 2015 before departing to Real Madrid. As a result, it’s suggested he would ‘welcome a return’ to Milan.

Following the meeting, Milan didn’t rule out making a move in the summer should he become available.

Kovacic has played 210 times for Chelsea since arriving from Real Madrid in the summer of 2019 when the Blues acquired him in a deal worth over £40 million.

Chelsea signed Kovacic on an initial loan but had the option to make the deal permanent and with their transfer ban, they made full use of the clause.

It’s set to be a big summer for Graham Potter in the market. Todd Boehly and Co are expected to back a squad overhaul following all of the new signings over the previous two windows, and Kovacic’s future is just one of many that needs resolving.