Txiki Begiristain said it was a simple decision to sign Mateo Kovacic as Manchester City completed their first signing of the summer.
The midfielder arrives from Chelsea for £25m with the potential for another £5m in add-ons as Pep Guardiola looks to freshen up the squad after winning the Treble. Kovacic isn't seen as a direct replacement for the outgoing Ilkay Gundogan, but there are some similarities.
That includes the ability to play in multiple positions in the middle, with sporting director Begiristain citing two different roles he is able to play. Add in the experience the Croatian midfielder has for club and country and City are delighted with the 'great signing' they have made.
“He can play as a 6 or an 8, has plenty of experience at top-level clubs and he understands the Premier League. It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder,” said Begiristain.
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“He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him. I am delighted he is here.
“This is a great signing for this club, and I am very excited to watch what he can do with Pep and the rest of our backroom team.”
In addition to signing Kovacic, City have also had a bid rejected for West Ham captain Declan Rice and are interested in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol as they look to press on with their summer business.
