Mateo Kovacic is reportedly expecting Chelsea to get rid of him during the upcoming summer transfer window amid interest from Manchester City.
The Citizens could be losing one of their current midfielders as a free agent this summer as Ilkay Gundogan is set to see his contract expire at the end of next month.
Despite that, the Manchester club have apparently got their eyes on securing a deal for another midfielder who could be on the lookout for a new club in the coming months.
Kovacic expecting Chelsea exit
According to a recent report from the Evening Standard, Kovacic is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and talks between him and the club over potentially renewing his deal have not begun, leaving him facing the exit door at Stamford Bridge.
The report also adds that City are “keen” on the player, who could be following the likes of Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek out of Chelsea this summer.
Despite Chelsea’s difficulties this season, the Croatian has still managed to show how much of an impressive midfield figure he is.
For example, with 26 league appearances to his name, the 29-year-old has made more passes into the final third of the pitch (155) than any other player at the west London club.
With Pep Guardiola’s side making more passes into the final third of the pitch (1720) than any other side in the division this season, it’s easy to see why they have an apparent interest in Kovacic.
The midfielder has previously been hailed by former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel, who had this to say about him back in April last year.
He said: “He looks like a wonderkid in training in some exercises. On Tuesday he had an outstanding training session and is a fantastic character. A lovely guy, a humble guy, and so interested in sports. He’s so happy to train and deliver for the team. It’s a true pleasure.”
With all of that taken into account, we feel that regardless of whether Gundogan leaves the Etihad Stadium or not, potentially securing a deal for Kovacic could be a great way of strengthening the midfield in Guardiola’s squad.
