Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has reportedly been a fan of Mateo Kovacic for at least five years.
Last week, reports intensified about a move to the Etihad Stadium for the Croatian international. It has even been suggested a deal could be wrapped up this week.
Apparently, positive talks have been held.
It is looking very possible that he could come this summer, and a few days ago The Athletic reported about the player and City’s interest.
They have reported that Guardiola has actually been a fan of Kovacic since he was at Real Madrid.
Sam Lee reports that City did actually become linked with Kovacic in 2018 after the club had missed out of Jorginho, which frustrated City officials greatly.
Kovacic would end up making a move to Stamford Bridge that summer, arriving on loan initially.
Kovacic impressed, leading the Blues to splash about £40 million on him.
During his time in England so far, Kovacic has impressed in the Chelsea midfield with his energy and technical ability.
That technical ability might be one of the reasons Guardiola is now keen to sign him. Indeed, The Athletic add that the Spaniard likes his ability to ‘wriggle out of tight spots even under pressure’.
Journalist Liam Twomey likens Kovacic to Eden Hazard, saying: “His ability to spin away from and slalom through multiple opponents can make him kryptonite for an opposition press, turning defence into attack in a matter of seconds.”
And just recently, Kai Havertz said that Kovacic was the most technical player at Chelsea.
It will be very interesting to see if this is a deal that gets done.
Mateo Kovacic is a player that should excite all Manchester City fans
So it really does seem like Guardiola is a big fan of Kovacic.
He has clearly had an eye on him for a while, and now it looks like he could get his man.
And Kovacic would be a fantastic signing for City.
Some people have mentioned about his age. But 29 is no longer ‘old’ in football. Players are generally much fitter nowadays, and City have had midfielders in the past playing into their mid-thirties.
Kovacic has Premier League experience and would just fit into the City team.
