Man City closing in on first summer signing as ‘terms agreed’ after FA Cup final success
Manchester City are edging closer to finalizing their initial summer acquisition shortly after achieving a double victory in the Premier League and FA Cup.
Manchester City is making significant progress in acquiring Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. Pep Guardiola is getting closer to completing his first summer signing as reports indicate that the Premier League champions are on the verge of finalizing a deal for the Croatian midfielder.
Personal terms have been agreed upon, and Guardiola aims to secure Kovacic as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, whose future with the club is uncertain, especially after his FA Cup heroics.
Kovacic is poised to end his four-year tenure at Chelsea following Mauricio Pochettino’s indication that he is content with the midfielder’s departure. He is expected to join Joao Felix and Denis Zakaria in leaving Stamford Bridge.
Having amassed 221 appearances for Chelsea, the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid star has been a crucial figure for the club. However, with his contract set to expire next month and no renewal offer on the table, his future at the club appears uncertain.
According to talkSPORT, Manchester City has now reached a consensus on personal terms with Kovacic and is optimistic about finalizing the transfer for the 29-year-old. Discussions between the player’s representatives and City officials occurred this week, subsequent to Chelsea granting permission for the talks to take place.
While the exact transfer fee has not been finalized, it is anticipated that it will not pose a significant obstacle. Chelsea is aiming to secure a minimum of £30 million for Kovacic’s transfer. The midfielder initially joined Chelsea on a £40 million deal from Real Madrid in July 2019, following a successful loan stint.
Sky Sports reports that Guardiola has long admired Kovacic’s skills and now appears poised to acquire him. Kovacic is set to spearhead Chelsea’s summer exodus as the club aims to trim its squad and alleviate concerns regarding Financial Fair Play regulations.
Kovacic is considered a suitable candidate to fill the role left by Ilkay Gundogan if the German midfielder decides to part ways with Manchester City. Gundogan’s contract is set to expire in less than a month, and he is currently contemplating his future.
Gundogan played a pivotal role in City’s victory in the FA Cup, scoring both goals in their 2-1 triumph against Manchester United at Wembley. After the game, Gundogan discussed his future, disclosing that he has not yet reached a definitive conclusion regarding his next career move.
“To be honest I don’t need these kind of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club,” he told BBC Sport.
“I know that, that is why I am here already seven years with all the ups and downs I’ve had so far. Nothing is decided yet so we’re gonna see what’s going to happen.”
According to reports, Barcelona and AC Milan have expressed interest in providing Ilkay Gundogan with a lucrative contract as his existing deal expires on June 30. However, given Gundogan’s significant contributions of 11 goals and six assists to Manchester City this season, Guardiola is strongly opposed to losing such a valuable member of his squad.
Man City closing in on first summer signing as ‘terms agreed’ after FA Cup final success
