Chelsea sign Mateo Kovacic as part of Thibaut Courtois deal from Real Madrid
Kovacic joins on season-long loan from Real Madrid as Courtois signs six-year deal with Real
CHELSEA have completed the signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Kovacic, 24, arrives from Real Madrid on a one-year loan deal as part of the move which takes Thibaut Courtois to the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Belgian goalkeeper has signed a six-year deal with Los Blancos.
Kovacic had wanted to leave Julen Lopetegui's side after starting just 37 league matches in the last three seasons.
A move to Chelsea gives the World Cup finalist the chance to finally showcase his talents on the big stage.
Kovacic could slot seamlessly into Maurizio Sarri's 4-3-3 formation alongside N'Golo Kante and fellow summer arrival Jorginho.
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His Bernabeu exit means Luka Modric is now unlikely to leave for Italian giants Inter Milan.
But Real do finally have their hands on a goalkeeper they've coveted for a long time.
Courtois had effectively gone on strike at Stamford Bridge after refusing to train for the last two days.
But he has now been granted his wish of returning to Madrid after a spell at Atletico, with Chelsea also expected to announce a deal for Athletic Bilbao goalie Kepa Arrizabalaga shortly.
