Report: Chelsea eager to start new contract talks with 28-year-old star

Chelsea are eager to start new contract talks with midfielder Mateo Kovacic

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea are eager to start new contract talks with midfielder Mateo Kovacic next year after the World Cup.

The Croatian international has been one of the pivotal players in the Blues squad for some time now. He has had knee injury issues this season, but in the games played, he has made a positive impact.

The 28-year-old had to come on in the 36th minute against Manchester United to help the team control the midfield, which eventually they did and became the better team on the pitch. Against RB Salzburg on Tuesday, he scored a stunning opener in a group-clinching 2-1 win over the Austrian side in the Champions League.

Kovacic has less than two years left in his current deal at Stamford Bridge, with it expiring in June 2024. So, he will enter the final 12 months of his contract next summer (Transfermarkt).

With how important he is to the team, it is key that the club starts new contract talks as soon as possible after the World Cup. So far, the 28-year-old hasn’t shown any signs of being unhappy at the club. In fact, he has given his all for the club whenever he is on the pitch.

There are doubts over the futures of N’Golo Kante (31) and Jorginho (30), with the duo’s contract expiring next summer. The former’s long-term hamstring injury is not going to help in extension discussions, while the latter has asked for a pay rise in his new contract.

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Hence, a midfield revamp is necessary for Graham Potter and his men sooner rather than later. It should start by offering a new deal to Kovacic, who can become the leader of that department for years to come. At 28, he should play the best football of his career for the next four or five years.