Manchester City fans are eager to see how Mateo Kovacic will fit into Pep Guardiola’s system after the Blues agreed an initial £25m fee with Chelsea, with an extra £5m in potential add-ons.
The midfielder looks set to arrive as City’s first signing of the summer with the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva up in the air. Kovacic is also likely to be the first of a wave of Chelsea players to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The four-time Champions League winner will undergo a medical at the City Football Academy before meeting up with his new teammates in time for City's pre-season tour in Asia.
Kovacic operated as both a central midfielder and a pivot for Chelsea, tallying 31 appearances this season and chipping in with two goals and two assists in a drab campaign for the London club.
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Speaking about his future ahead of Croatia’s Nations League semi-final against the Netherlands, Kovacic said: “I have one more year with Chelsea, this season was very bad.
“Everything is going towards the fact that after five good years I will change, but in football anything can happen.
“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.”
City fans are delighted with the news. Many took to Twitter to share their delight, some backing him to flourish under Guardiola’s tutelage.
@ftbalyousef_: Class signing! Gonna do bits under Pep, trust.
@DarkClinical: At least our midfield can now breathe some fresh air and make some needed changes.
@yahirmcfc: Very excited to see how he does in Pep’s system and how he’s gonna be used. Very good price as well for such an experienced player fantastic signing imo.
@AbzSemtex: Gundo, Bernardo, Kovacic, Rice, Rodri, Foden and KDB in midfield for City next season? What stops this team from winning the quadruple?
@5ifth555: I just love his ability to handle the ball beautifully under pressure. He’s a wonderful player! I love this signing. Let’s gooo!
@KhaleedMCFC: Kovacic is such a great addition to the depth! What a player!
