Maurizio Sarri has revealed that he wants to keep Mateo Kovacic at Chelsea next season because he believes the Real Madrid man can become a 'very good central midfielder'.
The 24-year-old was signed on a season-long loan deal in the summer from the Bernabeu and has since made 42 appearances in all competitions for Sarri, often being interchanged with Ross Barkley in the three-man Chelsea midfield.
Despite being used as Sarri's left-sided midfielder who is tasked with contributing goals in his Sarri-ball style of play, the Croatian has yet to score and some fans have questioned what exactly the loan man brings to the side.
The Italian, however, is under no illusion to what Kovacic does and believes that despite the problems that Chelsea have faced in the midfield area this season the Croatian has the potential to become a very good midfielder and would like him to remain at the Bridge.
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However, Sarri faces a problem in making that happen.
Fifa's two-window transfer embargo, if upheld, means that the Blues wouldn't be able to make Kovacic's move permanent, nor would they be able to re-sign him on loan for another season.
But if the side's appeal was to be granted, Sarri wants to see Kovacic stay at Chelsea.
He said: “You know very well that, in that position, we have some problems because we have only Jorginho.
"In my opinion, Kovacic could become a very good central midfielder. Of course, he is not a defensive midfielder (at the moment) but, as you know, in that position I prefer a very technical player.
"In the last match, Jorginho touched 161 balls. So, for us, it's very important for us to have big quality in that position. Big quality not for the last pass, but big quality in terms of moving the ball."
Sarri was then asked whether this was a position he would look at strengthening in the summer, before answering: “No, I want to try with Kovacic.
“Yes, Kovacic is only on loan, of course. I'd like very much that Kovacic will stay with us.”
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