Premier League champions Manchester City have begun talks with Chelsea over the potential transfer of Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic, sources claim.
The 29-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge on a permanent transfer in the summer of 2019 after spending the 2018/19 season on loan at the club from Real Madrid. His contract with the Blues will be up in 2024 and the new owners have decided against renewing his contract.
There have been a few links to Italy for the midfielder, especially to Inter Milan, where he plied his trade from 2013 to 2015. However, it seems like his next destination is the Etihad, where he will link up with Manchester City.
Both clubs have begun transfer talks and Chelsea have also given City the go-ahead to discuss personal terms with Kovacic. The midfielder could be replacing club captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is closer to leaving than staying, for the next few seasons.
At the end of the 2022/23 season, Kovacic has made 221 appearances for Chelsea in the five seasons he has spent at the club, winning the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Champions League titles.
Domestic titles eluded Chelsea in that time but successes on the continental stage meant that Kovacic has won five European titles (four UCL and one UEL). He is an experienced title winner and will be a great option to boost Manchester City’s midfield.
It is also claimed that both Kovacic and Pep Guardiola want to work with each other, which led to the transfer talks going as smoothly as is being reported.
Gundogan’s decision on his future could impact decisions, however, as Guardiola is not ready to let go of his captain just yet. Barcelona have been setting up a transfer for Gundogan but a lot is yet to be sorted out, leading to the delay in communication from the Germany international.
Whether Man City or anywhere else, Kovacic’s exit from Stamford Bridge is certain as new manager Mauricio Pochettino has given his blessings for the club to do away with him.
Mason Mount, however, is a different case.
The 24-year-old midfielder has been likened to Dele Alli and Pochettino’s willingness to work with him gives credence to those comparisons.
The Argentine manager is exploring ways to keep the player who is reported to be exploring his own options to leave. The club, meanwhile, are also looking for ways to move him on, with Liverpool and Manchester United keen on his signature.
