Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is ‘pondering’ an exit from Stamford Bridge this summer as he seeks a ‘new challenge’, according to GiveMeSport.

The 28 year old midfielder faces stiff competition for a starting slot in the coming months following the arrival of Enzo Fernandez.

Simon Phillips told GiveMeSport: “Kovacic, I think, I have been hearing that he’s been pondering a new challenge and pondering a move away.

“Whether Chelsea’s ambition in this window and going forward and the project changes his mind, I mean, it might, but from what I’m hearing, yeah, Kovacic is definitely one who could be going in the summer because Chelsea won’t want to let his contract run down, so they will look to get a fee for him.”