Manchester City Close in on Mateo Kovacic Transfer
Manchester City have tabled a £25 million bid for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to reports. Pep Guardiola has identified the Croatia international as a signing to strengthen his midfield options and City have been working on a deal for several weeks.
Kovacic’s Contract Situation
Last season’s treble winners have agreed personal terms with Kovacic but are yet to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a transfer fee. The 29-year-old has just a year left on his contract and Chelsea are actively looking to sell players who have 12 months left to run in order to avoid seeing them leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer next year.
Pep Guardiola’s Long-Term Admiration of Kovacic
According to The Athletic, City have now submitted a £25m offer to Chelsea for the midfielder. The report claims that Guardiola has also been a long-term admirer of Kovacic since his time at Real Madrid.
Other Players Expected to Leave Chelsea This Summer
Kovacic is set to be one of several players departing Chelsea this summer as the club looks to trim the size of Mauricio Pochettino’s inflated squad. Manchester United are continuing their talks to sign Mason Mount, while Arsenal have tabled an improved offer for Kai Havertz. Edouard Mendy has agreed personal terms with Al-Ahli, while Hakim Ziyech and Kalidou Koulibaly are also in talks to join the Saudi Pro League. Inter have also explored the possibility of signing Koulibaly but want a loan deal for the defender, who cost Chelsea £34m last summer.
Conclusion
Manchester City are closing in on the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, with the club having tabled a £25 million bid for the midfielder. The 29-year-old has just one year left on his contract and Chelsea are keen to sell him before he leaves on a free transfer next year. Pep Guardiola has been a long-term admirer of Kovacic since his time at Real Madrid and is now looking to reunite with the Croatian international at the Etihad Stadium. Several other players are expected to leave Chelsea this summer as the club looks to trim the size of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.