For some Chelsea supporters, the west London club absolutely have to sign Mateo Kovacic permanently from Real Madrid this summer.
With a transfer ban currently hanging over their heads, Kovacic, who spent the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign on loan at Stamford Bridge, and Gonzalo Higuain, could be the only signings Chelsea are able to make in the current transfer window.
Considering that, surely the 25-year-old must be snapped up? The Chelsea higher-ups, however, clearly have other ideas.
And all things considered, that makes perfect sense. £50m, Real Madrid's valuation (also per Evening Standard), on a midfielder who could easily find himself behind the likes of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho, Ross Barkley and Mason Mount next season? That is a crazy fee to stump up for a player his next manager might not even want.
Once Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to full fitness, too, the former Inter Milan man could find himself even lower in the midfield pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Ultimately, until they know who is going to be in charge next term and his plans for the campaign, Chelsea would be wise to hold off.
And at the £50m Real Madrid are said to be demanding, transfer embargo or no transfer embargo, the Blues have another reason to turn away from this deal, in this moment of time.
Chelsea fans, would you like to see Kovacic remain at Stamford Bridge? Let us know below!