Chelsea have opened talks over a deal to sign Mateo Kovacic on a permanent basis this summer.
Goal reports that the Blues have been given the green light to complete deals for the Croatian and Gonzalo Higuain if they wish to despite the incoming transfer ban.
The report adds that talks over a deal for the on-loan Real Madrid midfielder have recently started after a mixed season at Stamford Bridge.
Kovacic joined the club on loan as part of the deal that saw Thibaut Courtois move to Real Madrid during the last summer transfer window.
After a long spell out of the first-team picture at Real Madrid, Kovacic has enjoyed more game time this season but has not always impressed in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield.
The recent injury to Ruben Loftus-Cheek may be in the club’s thoughts when they consider Kovacic’s future. Early reports suggest that the former could miss up to a year of football following the Achilles injury he suffered earlier this week.
