Chelsea star tells Boehly he wants out with Tuchel primed to complete stunning cut-price raid

Harry Watkinson 28 Apr 2023 9:20 AM

Mateo Kovacic wants to leave Chelsea this summer and reunite with former manager Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, according to reports.

The 28-year-old has made just 15 starts in the Premier League this term, despite being a key player under the German coach during his time at Stamford Bridge.

With Chelsea tipped to axe a number of players to balance the books at the end of the season, it seems likely Kovacic will be one of the stars to leave.

The Croatia international’s contract with the Blues is set to expire in June 2024. As a result, Bayern could sign him on a cut-price deal this summer.

Indeed, as revealed by TEAMtalk, Kovacic and Chelsea are currently in talks over a new deal. However, the club’s hierarchy have told the player if he fails to pen an extension soon, he will be sold.

His departure would arguably come as a blow to Chelsea. Since joining the club in 2019, the Croatian has made 218 appearances overall, scoring six goals and making 14 assists.

In that time, he helped the Blues to win a Europa League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup – all but one of these trophies coming under Tuchel.

Kovacic demands Chelsea exit

According to German outlet Sport1, Kovacic is trying to force a move away from Chelsea. This suggests that talks over a new contract have now come to a halt.

They add that the Blues would prefer to sell the midfielder to a team outside of the Premier League. Now, Tuchel is thought to be considering a summer swoop for his former player.

While his appearances have been intermittent at Chelsea this season, there is no doubt that Kovacic is still a top player.

As mentioned, though, Kovacic may not be the only player that the London club look to offload this summer.

Indeed, it’s believed that club owner Todd Boehly could look to axe as many as 15 players. This is to offset the £600m he has spent on new signings this season.

Kovacic is reportedly joined by Edouard Mendy, Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mason Mount and eight others on Boehly’s hit list.

With that in mind, it will be interesting to see if Tuchel comes in for any other Chelsea stars. Bayern have been linked with Mount in recent months, so the manager could come in for him, for example.

Although, Liverpool are still the big favourites to sign him this summer.

What seems almost certain, though, is that Kovacic will be leaving Stamford Bridge. Whether or not he reunites with Tuchel at Bayern, however, remains to be seen.

Chelsea Bayern Munich Mateo Kovacic