CHELSEA want to kick-off contract negotiations with Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.
The Croatian has emerged as a key man in the heart of Graham Potter’s midfield in recent weeks.
Amid uncertainty surrounding Kovacic’s fellow midfield stalwarts N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, the Blues want to tie the 28-year-old down.
Both Kante and Jorginho are set to be out of contract at the end of the season, with neither close to signing an extension at present.
Kovacic, meanwhile, is contracted until 2024.
According to the Real Madrid man after the World Cup, with a view to getting a deal signed early next year.
They add that Kovacic would be happy to extend his deal, having settled well in West London.
He lives in the capital with wife Izabel and their two-year-old son.
Kovacic joined Chelsea on an initial loan deal in 2018, before making the move permanent a year later.
He has played under Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and now Potter at Stamford Bridge, making himself a key man for all of them.
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The midfielder has made 197 appearances for Chelsea, most notably helping them win the Champions League in 2020.
It was his fourth triumph in the competition, having won it three times with Madrid.
Kovacic, who has won 83 caps for his country, suffered with knee problems earlier this season – but Chelsea are relaxed over his injury situation.
Regular midfield partner Kante is set to be out for the next four months after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury.
The Frenchman, 31, hasn’t featured since August.
