As Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois moved in the other direction, Mateo Kovačić agreed a season-long loan at Stamford Bridge.
Under a new coach Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea is expected to cope with Premiership and Europa League challenges, with Kovačić joining following incredibly successful three seasons at Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive Champions League titles.
Croatia midfielder started his career at LASK Linz, confirming his talent at Dinamo Zagreb and proving his value at Inter Milan.
Kovačić was capped 46 times, scoring once, in a Gibraltar friendly.
