Chelsea announce Kovacic signing as Cahill departs

Chelsea have announced the permanent signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic whilst confirming club captain Gary Cahill will depart the club.

Currently under a transfer embargo, Chelsea have signed Croatian international Kovacic after being allowed to complete the transfer due to the 25-year-old having spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge.

The arrival from Real Madrid, estimated to have cost the Londoners around £40 million, has signed a five-year deal with the Blues.

Chelsea will hope that Kovacic can build on a promising first season in west London in which he made 51 appearance across all competitions.

Speaking on his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Kovacic confirmed his excited to join the Europa League champions.

“I really enjoyed my season on loan with Chelsea, I feel comfortable at the club and like London and the Premier League very much. I am very happy to be able to join permanently.

“We had a successful year, winning the Europa League and I hope I can make a big contribution in the coming seasons.”

Elsewhere at the club, Chelsea have also confirmed that Gary Cahill will leave the club after seven years after the expiration of his current contract.

Cahill won eight major trophies after arriving from Bolton in 2012 including two Premier Leagues, two Europa Leagues and a Champions League crown.

The 33-year-old, who has been capped by England on 61 occasions, made 291 appearances for Chelsea but will be looking for a new club for next season.