Frank Lampard is going to be rushed for time when it comes to Mateo Kovacic.
The new Chelsea manager looks like he will be appointed in the next couple of days, but it might be longer if things continue dragging.
If it’s true that Kovacic can be signed only until the 1st of July as was previously reported, Lampard will likely have to make a decision in a day or two about whether he wants to keep the Croat.
That will be where people like Petr Cech come in, newly installed above Lampard to help out. He can work out the balances now, and present different options to the new manager.
Maybe we keep Tiemoue Bakayoko around instead. Maybe Mason Mount is good enough. Whatever the course, the new boss will be pressed for time deciding whether he can pass up the chance to sign a good quality midfielder.
Lampard may even have the decision taken out of his hands if the club are worried they won’t get the deal done in time.
It’s all up in the air, and that’s why getting the deal done counts.