Mario Pasalic gets new Chelsea deal but midfielder will be sent out on loan for FOURTH time – now to Spanish minnows Real Betis
Croatia international spent last season at AC Milan and has also enjoyed time at Monaco but is now set for Betis stint
YOUNG midfielder Mario Pasalic is reportedly set to sign a new Chelsea contract.
But the 22-year-old isn’t in Antonio Conte’s short-term plans and will spend the season on loan at Real Betis instead.
Pasalic joined Chelsea in the summer of 2014 but is yet to make a senior appearance for the club.
The Croatia international spent the last season with Serie A giants AC Milan and before that enjoyed spells with Monaco and Elche.
Estadio Deportivo via claims Pasalic is seen as a long-term prospect for the Blues, who are ready to extend his contract past its 2018 expiry date.
Lazio were keen on taking the ace before they decided to move for Liverpool anchorman Lucas Leiva.
And Pasalic will now head to Betis for the upcoming La Liga campaign as he looks to catch the eye of Conte.
Chelsea have already loaned out a large number of players this summer, including Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
But there are set to be more exits, with Kurt Zouma rapidly closing in on a switch to Stoke.
The likes of Tomas Kalas and Andreas Christensen could also seek moves away if they feel there’s no chance of regular action at Stamford Bridge.