It has been reported that Real Madrid are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

According to Fichajes, Los Blancos may take advantage of Chelsea’s potential fire-sale in the upcoming transfer windows, and have already created a shortlist of players they would like to acquire. One of the top names on that list is Kovacic, who they hope to sign on a free transfer if he chooses not to renew his contract with the London outfit.

The 28-year-old midfielder has been a consistent performer in the Chelsea midfield. The Blues exercised their option to buy him from Real Madrid for £40.5 million a year later, and Kovacic is now in his fifth season with the West Londoners.

The Croatia international has made 216 appearances for the Blues and was a key contributor to their impressive Champions League victory in 2021. However, with Chelsea having spent over £100 million on the Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January, it seems that Kovacic’s time with the club may be coming to an end.

Following their recent takeover, Chelsea have spent a significant amount of money and they are now under pressure to comply with financial fair play regulations. Reports suggest that owner Todd Boehly is planning to sell at least eight players to balance the books and deal with their bloated squad and high wage bill, following a reported loss of £121.3 million for the 2021/22 financial year.

One of the high-profile players who could be sold is Mateo Kovacic. Although Chelsea were interested in extending his contract, the player is reportedly undecided and open to a new challenge elsewhere.