Mateo Kovacic has told his team he wants to join Chelsea this summer, according to reports.
The Real Madrid midfielder spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea have until Sunday to make the deal permanent.
Spanish outlet AS claim Kovacic has given the ‘green light’ for the move, despite Maurizio Sarri’s exit from the club.
Sarri signed Kovacic from Real, but was unveiled as Juventus’ new manager last week.
Kovacic is not deterred though, and has told his representatives to push ahead with talks to join Chelsea.
Despite an impending two-window transfer ban, Chelsea have the option of signing Kovacic as he’s already a registered player at the club.
Real would want around £45million for Kovacic, who was a regular under Sarri, making 51 appearances in total for the Blues.
Chelsea are yet to confirm their new manager, but Frank Lampard is expected to be handed the job once his exit from Derby is finalised.
Kovacic is also interested in a return to his former club, Inter, but the Italian side have other priorities this summer.
The majority of Chelsea’s transfer plans are on hold as the club battles to overturn Fifa’s ban.
MORE: Chelsea given seven-day deadline to complete Mateo Kovacic transfer
