Europa League finalists Chelsea want to sign loanees Mateo Kovacic and Gonzalo Higuain despite the transfer ban hanging over their heads according to the publication from popular media outlet Goal.
The Blues have been slammed with a two-window transfer ban by world football’s governing body FIFA for violating rules relating to the signing of players below the age of 18.
Chelsea have already lost the appeal against the ruling but the West Londoners still have hope that the transfer ban will be overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
Blues manager Maurizio Sarri wants to retain the services of both Kovacic and Higuain beyond this season.
Mateo Kovacic joined Chelsea on a season-long loan deal from Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid last summer, while Gonzalo Higuain canceled his loan spell at AC Milan to join the Blues on a short-term loan deal until this summer.
Argentine striker Higuain joined Chelsea on loan from Italian champions Juventus and he has scored five goals since his transfer in January.
It was also revealed that the Blues have the option of recalling loan strikers like Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshuayi if they are unable to sign Higuain.
A deal for Croatian World Cup star Kovacic is more urgent for Chelsea due to the long-term injury to Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
