Maurizio Sarri has admitted that he is hoping to see Mateo Kovacic extend his stay at Chelsea FC beyond this season.
The Croatia international signed for the Blues this summer on a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid after Thibaut Courtois moved to the Bernabeu in a permanent move.
Kovacic will be hoping to establish himself as a regular fixture in the Chelsea FC team this season as Sarri gets used to being in charge of the west London side.
As things stand, Kovacic will return to Real Madrid at the end of his loan deal next summer.
But Chelsea FC boss Sarri has admitted that he would love to see the midfielder stay on at the west London club beyond this season.
Speaking at his pre-match news conference on Friday, Sarri said: “I thought Mateo and Eden played very well in the last 30 minutes [against Arsenal], but also in that moment the intensity of the match was going down.
“Like Eden, Mateo is ready to play for 60 or 65 minutes. I like him very much so I hope that he will remain here in the future.”
Chelsea FC are currently preparing for their trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The Blues have made a solid start to the new campaign under Sarri and have won both of their opening Premier League games against Arsenal and Huddersfield Town.
The west London side ended up fifth in the Premier League and without a trophy last term under Antonio Conte.