Manchester City have reportedly begun talks with Mateo Kovacic’s camp regarding a potential summer transfer to the Etihad. The Croatia international is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and Chelsea are willing to cash in on the midfielder rather than risk losing him for nothing in a year’s time. The 29-year-old has been an excellent player for the Blues since joining from Real Madrid in 2018, however his performances were hampered by knee and calf injuries this season.
Pep Guardiola is known to be in the market for a new central midfielder, with Kalvin Phillips struggling to make an impression and John Stones used in midfield instead. City are also dealing with a contractual conundrum of their own in the form of Ilkay Gundogan, who can leave on a free transfer this summer. The German has enjoyed another excellent campaign and has offers from both Barcelona and Arsenal, but City are only offering him a one-year extension.
New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is prepared to offload Kovacic and is looking to oversee a midfield revolution this summer. Mason Mount is expected to leave Stamford Bridge while N’Golo Kante is yet to pen fresh terms, with his deal expiring at the end of next month. The Blues have been linked with moves for Sporting’s Manuel Ugarte and Brighton star Moises Caicedo. However, City will not have a free run at Kovacic with Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel keen to reunite with him in Bavaria. Talks will continue in the coming days but it remains to be seen where Kovacic will end up.
