In a surprising turn of events, English Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly reached an agreement on the transfer of Mateo Kovacic for a fee believed to be around €40 million.
The deal, which is set to be finalized in the upcoming transfer window, has sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world, as Kovacic has been a vital player for Chelsea in recent seasons.
Mateo Kovacic, a Croatian international midfielder, joined Chelsea initially on loan from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018. After impressing with his technical skills, vision, and ability to control the midfield, the London club decided to make the deal permanent in 2019.
Since then, Kovacic has become an integral part of the Chelsea squad, featuring prominently under managers Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard, and Thomas Tuchel.
Manchester City’s pursuit of Kovacic indicates their intention to bolster their already star-studded midfield. With the departure of midfield maestro Fernandinho approaching, Pep Guardiola’s side has identified Kovacic as a potential replacement. The Croatian’s technical prowess and ability to dictate the tempo of the game align with City’s possession-based style of play.
For Chelsea, the decision to let go of Kovacic may raise eyebrows among the fans. The midfielder’s consistent performances and reliability in the heart of midfield have made him a fan favorite at Stamford Bridge. However, Chelsea’s depth in the midfield department, with the likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, and Mason Mount, may have played a role in their decision to cash in on Kovacic.
The reported fee of €40 million for Kovacic reflects his market value and the demand for quality midfielders in today’s transfer market. While the deal has not been officially confirmed by either club, if it goes through, it will be one of the noteworthy transfers of the upcoming window.
