Chelsea star amazingly takes future into his own hands by ‘offering himself’ to European giants for summer transfer

A Chelsea player has incredibly got the ball rolling on a summer exit by telling an Italian club he wants to join them, according to a bombshell report.

It looks set to be a busy summer at Stamford Bridge, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. As per a recent report from Football Insider, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly is eager to improve the midfield this summer and has identified four potential targets. The list includes Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo, plus two big-name stars from elsewhere in Europe.

The Blues are also hoping to strike an agreement with Atletico Madrid for loanee Joao Felix. According to journalist Matteo Moretto, Boehly is determined to land Felix on a permanent basis after a good start to his Chelsea career.

While the likes of Rice and Felix could move to Chelsea on long-term deals, plenty of players look set to depart. The Athletic have revealed that up to 12 stars could be sold to help balance the books and make it easier for Graham Potter to manage the squad.

Ben Chilwell’s shock exit ‘cannot be ruled out’ due to Manchester City having ‘genuine interest’ in the left wing-back. And Chilwell could be followed out of west London by midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Sport Witness, who cite reports coming out of Italy, claim Kovacic has amazingly taken his future into his own hands by ‘offering himself’ to Serie A side AC Milan.

READ MORE: Chelsea flop who ‘cost a fortune’ could ‘still have a future’ if he goes about things correctly

Rossoneri chiefs Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara recently travelled to London to support their team against Tottenham in the Champions League round of 16 second leg.

They drew 0-0 with Antonio Conte’s side to progress into the last eight with a 1-0 aggregate victory.

Chelsea man holds transfer meeting

Following Milan’s triumph, Maldini and Massara supposedly met Kovacic and his agent in a London hotel. This is where the 28-year-old told Milan he would be willing to join them this summer, should an agreement be reached between the two clubs.

Kovacic added that he ‘intends to leave’ Chelsea at the end of the season and Stefano Pioli’s team are his preferred next club. He lived in Milan while playing for Inter between January 2013 and August 2015 and would apparently welcome a return to the city. However, the transfer would not go down well with Inter fans given their fierce rivalry with Milan.

Maldini and Massara listened to what Kovacic had to say and it is now thought that they are planning a summer swoop for him. He should not cost too much to sign in terms of a transfer fee given his Chelsea deal expires in June 2024.

The only potential stumbling block for Milan is Kovacic’s wage demands. At Chelsea, he earns somewhere between £100-150,000 a week. This is towards the top of Milan’s wage capabilities, so they may have to stretch themselves slightly to take him back to Serie A.

Kovacic leaving would be a big blow for Potter given how influential he is in midfield and his experience at the top level. Indeed, the Croatia international was selected as captain in Chelsea’s last two matches.

However, if Chelsea manage to bring in someone of Rice’s calibre, then Kovacic’s exit would prove to be far less damaging.

Meanwhile, Chelsea and Newcastle are battling for the signing of a Barcelona attacker, according to reports.