Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is 'pondering' an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer as he seeks a 'new challenge', journalist Simon Phillips has informed GIVEMESPORT.
The 28-year-old has been in and out of the Blues' team this season and faces stiff competition for a starting slot in the coming months due to a flurry of transfer activity at the club in January.
Chelsea Transfer News - Mateo Kovacic
Lately, The Guardian has reported that several Chelsea players could be on the chopping block this summer, with Kovavic said to be one of a six-man contingent that Graham Potter could allow to depart.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Kalidou Koulibaly and Conor Gallagher are also believed to be free to leave amid interest from multiple Premier League clubs in their services.
The Blues are expected to be busy in the summer and while loanees Denis Zakaria and Joao Felix could return to their parent clubs, the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Hudson-Odoi will make their way back to Stamford Bridge, alongside the pre-agreed signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
Salary Sport note that Kovacic earns £150,000 per week at Chelsea on a contract that is set to run until 2024.
What has Simon Phillips said about Mateo Kovacic?
Journalist Phillips has suggested that Chelsea ace Kovacic may be moved on by the club this summer to avoid a scenario where his contract runs down at Stamford Bridge.
Phillips told GMS: "Kovacic, I think, I have been hearing that he's been pondering a new challenge and pondering a move away. Whether Chelsea's ambition in this window and going forward and the project changes his mind, I mean, it might, but from what I'm hearing, yeah, Kovacic is definitely one who could be going in the summer because Chelsea won't want to let his contract run down, so they will look to get a fee for him."
Should Chelsea look to sell Kovacic in the summer?
All things considered, it may be wise for Chelsea to sell Kovacic in the summer as he could leave for nothing in the following year, which would mean the Blues' wouldn't have the chance to recoup any windfall on the Croatia international.
Winter arrivals Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos will add more competition for places, while it is widely expected that N'Golo Kante will agree to a contract extension at Stamford Bridge.
Kovacic still has plenty to offer for Chelsea, though is currently in the prime of his career at 28 and may want to sample regular first-team minutes in the next few seasons, which is a prospect that seems to be dwindling at his current employers.
Only time will tell with regards to Kovacic's future; however, Chelsea look to be well-stocked in the engine room as they try to battle their way back into contention for the European slots.