Maurizio Sarri enquires about Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic as alternative to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey

Chelsea have moved for Real Madrid star Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.

Blues were linked with a swoop for Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey last week.

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Reuters

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AFP

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The Welshman is in talks with Emirates chiefs over an extension to his contract after entering the final 12 months of his current one.

But the Daily Mail claim Chelsea have decided to enquiry about Kovacic as they opt whether to wait and try to lure Ramsey across the capital in a year’s time for free instead.

Maurizio Sarri has cast his net far and wide as he looks to add more in the middle of the park to his newly-inherited Blues squad.

And the Italian knows the ace well from the Croatian’s time in Serie A with Inter Milan.

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But the Stamford Bridge side could face competition from Prem rivals Manchester City for the 24-year-old.

Pep Guardiola has missed out on Jorginho and Fred this summer and could step-up his interest.

Meanwhile, Danny Drinkwater is determined to stay at Chelsea – even if Kovacic arrives.

Former Leicester City man Drinkwater is believed to have been made available by the Blues for around £20m with his old club interested in re-signing him.