Manchester City have reportedly been linked with a move for 29-year-old Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic in recent weeks.
Mateo Kovacic is reportedly looking for a fresh challenge, and he is now closing in on a move to Manchester City, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Chelsea are prepared to sanction his departure this month, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester City can wrap up the move soon. The Croatian international could be the ideal replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who might leave the Premier League champions as a free agent.
Kovacic has proven himself in the Premier League with Chelsea and should be able to settle in quickly and make an immediate impact at Manchester City. Signing a Premier League-proven midfielder to replace Gundogan could prove to be a wise decision for Manchester City.
The German midfielder has been an indispensable asset for them and needs to be replaced adequately. Kovacic will add creativity and control to the Manchester City midfield. Furthermore, he is a hardworking player who will help out defensively as well. His style of play should help him fit into Pep Guardiola’s system seamlessly.
Everything is going in the right direction. #Kovacic is close to join #MCFC & Pep. Verbal agreement is done confirmed.
➡️ Negotiations between ManCity and #CFC should follow this week.@SkySportDE 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/LekKYoJmQY
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 13, 2023
The Croat is an excellent dribbler and he will add drive to the Manchester City midfield as well. Meanwhile, Chelsea will have to find a quality replacement for him. The Blues are set to lose N’Golo Kante whose contract expires soon.
It seems that Chelsea are in need of a midfield rebuild this summer, and Mauricio Pochettino will have to bring in multiple reinforcements in the middle of the park. The Blues signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica during the January transfer window. But they need to bring in quality partners for him now.
Chelsea have missed out on Champions League qualification. So it could prove to be difficult for them when it comes to signing top-class players this summer. There is no doubt that they are one of the biggest clubs in the world and have the financial resources to pay big money. However, the absence of European football could still make it difficult for them to attract top players.
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As for Kovacic, he has won multiple trophies at Chelsea, and he will be looking to make his mark at Manchester City now. The Premier League champions recently completed the treble and will be hoping to push for major trophies next year as well. Kovacic will hope to add to his tally of medals in English football with Manchester City in the coming seasons.