Following the departures of veterans Didier Drogba and Petr Cech, José Mourinho may have to part ways with another of his trusted players, since Branislav Ivanovic could sign a two-year contract with Inter Milan in January.
Sources indicate that Ivanovic, the 31-year-old defender, could be lured away by the Neroazzurri in the upcoming transfer window, given that negotiations to extend his contract with the Blues have been stalled for a couple of months, and his contract with the team ends next summer.
Chelsea's policies state that no player over 30 years of age will be granted a multi-year contract, limiting their commitment to the team for only twelve months at a time. Recently, captain John Terry went through the same uncertainty as Ivanovic, but he ended up signing his current contract with the Blues. Despite Mourinho's intentions, his former Serie A team has been reported to be interested in signing the right back, including a two-year contract and a hefty bonus to sign for Roberto Mancini's crew.
The player has performed in 13 matches this season for The Blues in all competitions, usually filling in as the team's captain whenever John Terry is not on the pitch.
The player's agent revealed last month that Ivanovic wanted to extend his contract with Chelsea, but left a window of opportunity for Inter.
"The Neroazzurri could be interested in him for the summer market, not for the winter one. In football anything is possible," Zoran Krneta stated.
If a deal isn't reached between the two parties, Ivanovic could be free to sign with whatever team he pleases in January, six months before his current deal ends.
