Real Madrid are reportedly willing to offer Mateo Kovacic to Chelsea as a sweetener to complete the £35 million deal to land Thibaut Courtois.
According to a report by Daily Telegraph, Real Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Thibaut Courtois by offering Chelsea a makeweight as part of their £35 million bid. Los Blancos are willing to send Mateo Kovacic on a season-long loan deal to Stamford Bridge in their bid to secure the services of the Belgian goalkeeper.
By now, it’s common knowledge that Courtois has perhaps played his final game for Chelsea. All summer long, Real Madrid have been hot in pursuit of the Belgian international, who has just one year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge and is thus, an approachable target. That he wishes to return to the Spanish capital only gave them added impetus in his pursuit.
While Chelsea were initially reluctant to part ways with the 26-year-old. But, after he went AWOL and failed to report to training on Monday, it has become abundantly clear that the Blues will sell Courtois to Real Madrid. The only thing left to be sorted out was the agreement over the terms of the deal.
Real Madrid were initially offering just £35 million in exchange of the player’s services. While the figure seemed to be a fair valuation considering the length of his contract, Chelsea have been looking to play hardball over the transfer fee. But, the European champions may just seal the deal with their latest offer.
Los Blancos are willing to include Mateo Kovacic as part of the deal, albeit on a season-long loan to finally persuade Chelsea to part ways with Courtois. The Croat is one of the players that Maurizio Sarri has been targeting in recent weeks to complete his midfield unit, and a loan move has been suggested recently.
In Kovacic, Chelsea will have a midfielder who will perfectly complement the qualities of both Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, with his passing abilities as well as defensive acumen. In turn, Courtois will secure his dream move to Real Madrid, who will have finally succeeded in their long-running bid to land a top class goalkeeper.
The only factor holding up the transfer was the Belgian international’s replacement. But, Chelsea have zeroed in on Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is set to complete his move to Stamford Bridge in a world record deal for a goalkeeper.
While there is a significant outlay in signing Kepa, the fact that Kovacic will arrive on a loan deal has freed up funds that would have otherwise been concentrated on signing a midfielder. The transfer saga involving Courtois is set to come to an end, with Real Madrid hopeful of reaching an agreement with Chelsea over a deal.
It now remains to be seen if landing Kovacic on a season-long loan deal in addition to recouping £35 million for Courtois is enough for Chelsea. The Blues do need to make a quick decision though, with a little over a day remaining for the transfer window to slam shut in England. But, Real Madrid will feel they have their man secured.
