Manchester City target Mateo Kovacic has dropped the biggest hint yet that he will be leaving Chelsea this summer.
Speaking on international duty, the Croatian said that “everything” points towards him moving away from Stamford Bridge after five seasons:
“Everything is going towards the fact that, after five good years (at Chelsea), I will change. But in football, anything can happen. Right now, I’m focused on Croatia and the Nations League.”
“Manchester City is a top team and deserves to be in the Champions League final. That’s what I have to say. The summer is long; we’ll see what happens. Chelsea is phenomenal for me. I love the city and the fans; they love me. I have wonderful memories of Chelsea. We’ll see what happens.”
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Thursday night that Kovacic has now “agreed personal terms” with City and a meeting to discuss a transfer fee with Chelsea is set to take place after the Champions League final on Saturday:
EXCL: Mateo Kovacić has now agreed personal terms with Manchester City after advanced talks already revealed last week 🚨🔵🇭🇷 #MCFC
Kovacić wants the move, next step has to be between clubs as Chelsea and City will discuss fee after the UCL final.
Chelsea, open to sell Kovacić. pic.twitter.com/PKdCHsEL9B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2023
Kovacic’s contract situation makes the deal easier to negotiate
The 29-year-old has just over a year left on his current deal, so Chelsea are keen on selling him before he can leave on a free transfer at the end of next season.
It has been suggested that the Blues may hold out for a fee between £30m and £40m for Kovacic, but that is unlikely to be a problem for City.
Signing an experienced midfielder
With there being uncertainty over the future of captain Ilkay Gundogan, and reports that Bernardo Silva could also leave the Etihad in the coming weeks, bringing in Kovacic seems like a sensible move.
The Croatian international has made over 200 appearances for Chelsea, including 142 games in the Premier League, and he has also played in a Champions League final. Kovacic will add experience in a position where they could soon lose a couple of important players.
