Manchester City have expressed interest in the Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic who could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.
The reigning champions have held talks with Chelsea and have enquired about his price tag. Chelsea are reportedly open to selling the Croatian.
There has been no agreement on the transfer sum between City and Chelsea but City are looking to offer around £35 million for the midfielder.
Further reports suggest that an agreement between City and the player on personal terms is almost completed. Kovacic is keen to join the blue side of Manchester.
It looks as though City are looking for options in the midfield as club captain Ilkay Gundogan looks set to leave amid interest from Barcelona and Arsenal. The German’s contract runs out in the summer and he has not signed a new contract with the club.
Kalvin Phillips joined City from Leeds United last summer but has only started 2 Premier League games in the whole season. Pep Guardiola looks unsure about the Englishman and Kovacic could provide strength in depth in the midfield area.
Also Read: Arsenal close in on Caicedo after learning Brighton’s asking price
Kovacic’s departure would not only come as part of a midfield revolution for Chelsea but also as a part of Chelsea’s strategy to trim their squad down. This would allow them to sign more players under the FFP guidelines and also ensure easier management.
Kovacic has featured sporadically for Chelsea this season, having only started 27 games in all competitions. The Blues have struggled heavily in midfield in their worst-ever Premier League season but the Croatian was still unable to make it into the starting eleven on a regular basis.
There is no doubting Kovacic’s ability, as he was an integral part of the Chelsea side that won the Champions League in 2021, starting in midfield alongside N’Golo Kante.
The Croatian has also featured heavily for his national side and was part of the famous Croatian side that made it to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Kovacic has also played for European giants like Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
All these reasons prove Kovacic’s quality and it can be said that he has struggled for form this season like every other Chelsea player, but still remains a top-class midfielder.
