Manchester City, according to reports will be focusing on the acquisition of Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer. According to Football Insider the Cityzens have their eye on Kovacic, a 29-year old midfielder who could replace Jude Bellingham.
After turning down Premier League interest, it appears that the midfielder of Borussia Dortmund is headed to Real Madrid. Kovacic has less than a year remaining on his contract with Chelsea, which makes it questionable as to what will happen next. Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, is said to be a big admirer of Kovacic.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, he has become a vital member of the West Londoners squad. He has played 35 matches in various competitions this season and assisted on two goals. In an interview with Chelsea’s Raheem sterling from last year he suggested that Manchester City held Kovacic high regard.
“Mateo Kovacic, to be fair. When we played him for Manchester City, I remember thinking “Oh my goodness,” and I won’t be lying. Guardiola seems to share these thoughts about Kovacic who could be the target of a fire-sale. To comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, Stamford Bridge must sell a number of first-teamers this summer.
Manchester City is interested in Kovacic’s future at Chelsea:
Kovacic, who spoke with Chelsea’s website on April’s, expressed his love of living in London and his five-year stint at Stamford Bridge: “Time flies and I’ve lived in London for the longest time than any other club. I’ve lived here for five long years. I feel right at home. There is nothing I dislike about London. “It’s easier because my family loves it.”
Kovacic is a big hit at the Blues ever since he arrived from Madrid many years ago. During his tenure with the West London Giants he won both the Europa League as well as the UEFA Champions League. The lure of playing for Manchester City, a local team, might be enough to tempt him.
He will be able to play for Guardiola who is considered one of the top football coaches in the World. The situation at Stamford Bridge is dire. The club is currently 11th in the association, without any European potential for next season.
City is currently leading the league, with Arsenal in second. Kovacic may accept the opportunity to play for an Premier League contender.
