Mateo Kovacic joins Chelsea on permanent £40m transfer from Real Madrid

CHELSEA have completed the permanent £40m signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid following last season’s loan.

The 25-year-old has penned a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge and is likely to be their only addition this summer due to the 12-month Fifa transfer ban.

Kovacic said: “I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea, I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much. I am very happy to be able to join permanently.

“We had a successful year, winning the Europa League and I hope I can make a big contribution in the coming seasons.”

Chelsea are unable to sign any new players because of the ban, but as he was registered to the club previously, that allowed them to push through the permanent deal.

More to follow…

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