Manchester City are set to prioritise a move for Mateo Kovacic, with the £100,000-a-week Chelsea star likely to depart Stamford Bridge.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City could turn their full attention towards Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The £100,000-a-week Chelsea star will soon enter the final year of his deal, with Pep Guardiola likely to sanction a move for the 29-year-old.
Mateo Kovacic is a type of midfielder that could suit many styles and different clubs. He has shown his worth first at Real Madrid and then in the last five years at Chelsea. In light of the raft of new arrivals at Stamford Bridge and his expiring contract, the Croat could seek a move away from the club in the summer.
The Chelsea midfielder is entering the final year of his deal, with many big English clubs already on high alert. In April, his representatives were present in England to hold talks and explore other opportunities within the Premier League.
Several rival sides, including Liverpool and Manchester United, were mentioned. Before that, reports of Manchester City holding talks for the Croat emerged, and Pep Guardiola’s side could now follow up by approaching to sign the midfielder.
Manchester City reportedly were keen on Jude Bellingham ahead of the summer. But Real Madrid are close to finalising a move for the England star. Hence, they have now swiftly turned their attention towards Kovacic, hoping to crack a deal.
Manchester City could see a few key departures in the summer, including Ilkay Gundogan. The club reportedly ruled out on renewing the German’s contract. And Kovacic could come in as a replacement. The 29-year-old has plenty of experience in the Premier League, which may have turned Guardiola’s head towards him.
He is no longer an automatic starter at Chelsea. But the Blues have been open to keeping him beyond the summer. With new arrivals and injuries restricting a starting place for the Croat, he may look for a new club when the season ends.
A move to Manchester City may prove beneficial for the midfielder and to all parties. Chelsea might look to get a reasonable fee in return, which would help them with their financial concerns. As for Guardiola, he may look to sign another midfielder considering Kalvin Phillips could also depart.
