Croatia international Mateo Kovacic has joined Chelsea on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.

The Blues announced the deal on Wednesday, contingent on Thibaut Courtois’ move to Real.

The 23-year-old made just 17 appearances in La Liga last season and moves to the Premier League in search of regular first-team football.

Kovacic told Chelsea’s club website: “I am really happy and excited to be here at Chelsea. It is an amazing feeling. I will try to do my best for this club.

“It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough but I am sure the coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great season.”

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: “We are very happy to welcome Mateo to the Chelsea family. He is a perfect fit for us this season, his style is well suited to how Maurizio wants to play and we are sure he will prove to be a valuable asset for the club.”