Maurizio Sarri is keen on making Mateo Kovacic’s temporary move to Chelsea a permanent one, according to Goal.
The Croatian midfielder made the switch from Real Madrid last summer, having fallen out of favour at the European champions.
Kovacic has experienced a relatively disappointing season at Stamford Bridge, however, often failing to influence games.
Despite this, Sarri wants to sign the 24-year-old permanently, with the player himself also keen to extend his stay in west London:
Yes, Kovacic is only on loan, of course. I’d like very much that Kovacic will stay with us.
You know very well that, in that position, we have some problems because we have only Jorginho.
In my opinion, Kovacic could become a very good central midfielder. Of course, he is not a defensive midfielder but, as you know, in that position I prefer a very technical player. In the last match, Jorginho touched 161 balls.
So, for us, it’s very important for us to have big quality in that position. Big quality not for the last pass, but big quality in terms of moving the ball.
No [I don’t want to buy another midfielder], I want to try with Kovacic.
Sarri is also interested in keeping hold of Gonzalo Higuain beyond the summer, but the Argentine looks more likely to leave at the end of the season.
Much of this transfer talk will depend on the outcome of a potential two-window ban, of course, with Chelsea appealing the decision.
The Blues face a busy week of action, with three matches in the space of six days.
First up is the visit of West Ham on Monday night, before trips to Slavia Prague and Liverpool on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.
