The lowdown on Chelsea latest new arrival.
Chelsea continued their summer recruitment drive by signing Croatian central midfielder Mario Pasalic on Wednesday.
The 19-year-old joins Spanish duo Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa on Chelsea’s list of new signings.
Pasalic’s arrival was a much lower profile occasion, but fear not if you had never heard of him before because we have compiled a list of all you need to know.
1.
Chelsea beat off interest from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal to sign Pasalic, according to The Express.
2.
Despite being born in Germany, Pasalic is a Croatia youth international. He has been capped at Under-14, Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level. He has not yet represented Croatia’s senior side, but he was included in his nation’s provisional 30-man World Cup squad earlier this year, before being cut.
3.
Last season was Pasalic’s first full campaign in the first team at Hajduk Split, where he had been on the books since he was 10 years old. He scored 11 goals in 36 games in all competitions.4.
The transfer fee and Pasalic’s length of contract were not disclosed by Chelsea. However, the Daily Mail report that the Blues paid Hajduk £3m for the player, who is likely to be sent out on loan this season.5.
Pasalic is a genuine all-round midfielder. He has exceptional stamina, allowing him to get up and down the pitch. He is over 6 ft tall, giving him an edge in aerial duels, and he is composed and comfortable in possession.