Mateo Kovacic ‘doesn’t want’ to sign new Chelsea deal after source’s talks reveal – pundit
Alan Hutton has suggested Mateo Kovacic won’t want to sign a new contract at Chelsea.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said Graham Potter has some “massive” decisions to make ahead of the summer window.
Kovacic, 28, has entered the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and is free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs in January 2024.
On 28 February, sources told Football Insider that the Blues are ready to open new contract talks with the Croatia international.
Extending Kovacic’s deal is believed to be a “priority” for the London club and he is firmly part of the club’s plans for the future.
When asked if Kovacic fits in to Potter’s team moving forward, Hutton told Football Insider: “Obviously only Graham Potter will know but they have got so many options within the midfield.
“This is the problems we are talking about, how do you pick a starting XI and keep everybody happy?
“Of course he is a fantastic footballer but if these guys are not going to get the minutes, they will not want to play. Why would you want to sign a new contract?
“Even the likes of N’Golo Kante just coming back, they are talking about giving him a new contract. They spent £107million on a midfielder to come in and play that role.
“Something has to give. Whether they offer new contracts or not, some massive decisions have to be made by Potter and the backroom staff.“
In other news, according to sources, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea face paying ‘huge’ Moises Caicedo fee after agreement reached.