According to a report from Manchester Evening News, Manchester City might make a move for Mateo Kovacic as Chelsea aim to streamline their squad, which currently boasts an extensive roster. The Croatian is set to enter the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, which gives the Sky Blues a significant boost as they’ve opened talks with his representatives.
Kovacic’s Campaign For Chelsea This Season
Kovacic has faced challenges in maintaining consistency at Stamford Bridge this season, making his performances for Chelsea a mixed bag. With two goals and two assists in 37 appearances across different competitions, the 28-year-old midfielder has had his moments.
Despite missing some crucial matches for the Blues, Kovacic has showcased his abilities with an average of 1.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 0.6 clearances, 0.9 shots, and 0.9 key passes per game in the Premier League. His passing accuracy of 86% highlights his skill in distributing the ball to his teammates (stats via whoscored).
Should Pep Guardiola Bring Him To Manchester City?
Kovacic brings a wealth of experience to the midfield and offers versatility in the centre of the pitch. His ability to contribute with solid tackles and timely interceptions makes him a valuable asset in disrupting opponents’ play.
Furthermore, the Croatian midfielder possesses the skill to unleash powerful and accurate strikes from long range while also showcasing excellent vision to create scoring opportunities for his teammates in the attacking half.
With his familiarity with the Premier League and an impressive track record, including four UEFA Champions League triumphs, Kovacic would seamlessly integrate into life at Man City. Additionally, his playing style aligns well with Guardiola’s approach, and he could potentially fill the void left by Ilkay Gundogan, who is nearing the end of his contract at the Etihad.
Considering these factors, Manchester City would be wise to pursue Kovacic during the upcoming summer transfer window as he could significantly contribute to their ambitions, including pursuing European success.