Despite transfer ban: Chelsea faces deal with Real-Star

Europa League winner FC Chelsea faces the firm commitment of midfielder Mateo Kovacic despite the existing football transfer ban. According to several English media reports, the Croatian, which was loaned by Real Madrid until 30 June, is to be purchased for around 50 million euros.

Since Kovacic was already registered with the Londoners last season, no new registration would be necessary if Kovacic were to continue its commitment before 30 June. Thus, the Blues want to avoid the transfer ban that will come into force on July 1 for the next two change periods.

FIFA had imposed a transfer ban on Chelsea in 29 cases of international transfers and enrolments of underage players for breaches of the rules. Only obligations of players under the age of 16 who are not international transfers will be exempted from this ban. The Londoners have appealed against this before the International Court of Sport (CAS).

Due to the imminent transfer ban, Chelsea had already signed Christian Pulisic of Borussia Dortmund for 64 million during the winter break, but lent the midfielder back to BVB for the second half of the season. Similar to Kovacic, the Blues could also hire Gonzalo Higuain, an attacker on loan from Juventus Turin, until 30 June, otherwise no new external commitments are possible due to the suspension.