OFFICIAL: Kovacic joins Chelsea on loan

Andrew McAlister 5 years ago 14.2k |

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Kovacic moves to Chelsea on a season-long loan deal. EFE

Mateo Kovacic has completed his loan move to Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea, as part of the deal which sends Thibaut Courtois to the Bernabeu on a permanent transfer.

Croatia international Mateo Kovacic has joined Premier League side Chelsea on a season-long loan deal.

It is understood that the deal forms part of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois' move to Julen Lopetegui's Real Madrid for around £30m.

The 24-year-old midfielder admitted that he would like more regular game time, and thus leaves 'Los Blancos' after only making 21 appearances in La Liga under Zinedine Zidane last season.

Kovacic will now play under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, who have also brought in central midfielder Jorginho from Napoli this summer. Kovacic and Jorginho join a plethora of midfield talent on Sarri's books - World Cup winner N'Golo Kante, Spanish playmaker Cesc Fabregas and English trio Ross Barkley, Danny Drinkwater and Ruben Loftus- Cheek.

'The Blues' are also expected to sign goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga before the window closes at 5pm on Thursday, as Chelsea reportedly paid the Spaniard's release clause from Athletic Bilbao.

Chelsea and Kovacic begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday away at Huddersfield.