2022/2023 Premier League winners, Manchester City have completed the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. The English club on Tuesday, June 27, completed the signing of Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea following the loss of captain Ilkay Gundogan. 
Mateo Kovacic unveiled as a Manchester City player. Source: Manchester City The treble winners said the 29-year-old had signed a four-year contract after the clubs reportedly agreed an initial fee of £25 million ($32 million), with a potential £5 million in add-ons. Kovacic joins Pep Guardiola’s side after five years at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League and Europa League and made 221 appearances. Kovacic isn’t seen as a direct replacement for the outgoing Ilkay Gundogan, but there are some similarities. That includes the ability to play in multiple positions in the middle, with City Director of Football Txiki Begiristain citing two different roles he can play. Add in the experience the Croatian midfielder has for club and country, and City are delighted with the ‘great signing’ they have made. Speaking to the club’s website, Kovacic who will wear the number 8 shirt said; 
Kovacic playing against Manchester City in the Premier League. Source: Getty “This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City. “Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there. To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. “I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me. “I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me. “My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.” Kovacic is City’s first signing of the transfer window and his arrival compensates for the departure of Gundogan, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer on Monday after seven years at the club.
Kovacic at a match for Chelsea. Source: Getty Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have also been linked with Kovacic, but the Cityzens are in pole position to sign him. With Chelsea ready to sell, Manchester City has been keeping a close eye on the Croatian international. Pep Guardiola’s men are looking for a potential replacement for İlkay Gundogan whose contract runs out in the summer. If the German international leaves, Kovacic will be an ideal replacement. Even if he does not, the arrival of the Croat will surely strengthen their squad. 
Kovacic lifting the Champions League trophy Chelsea won. Source: Getty Manchester City have already made a move, they have agreed personal terms with the 29-year-old. The player is keen on joining the Manchester-based club. And, now it is up to the clubs to find an agreement. With Chelsea open to the idea of him leaving, Manchester City fancy their chances. As a result, it will be interesting to see if they can land the Croatian international in their ranks. EXCL: Mateo Kovacić has now agreed personal terms with Manchester City after advanced talks already revealed last week 🚨🔵🇭🇷 #MCFC Kovacić wants the move, next step has to be between clubs as Chelsea and City will discuss fee after the UCL final. Chelsea, open to sell Kovacić. pic.twitter.com/PKdCHsEL9B — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2023 Kovacic has been a great servant for Chelsea ever since he joined them back in the summer of 2018. Initially, Chelsea loaned him in from Real Madrid for a year. But on the back of impressive performances, the Blues signed the Croat permanently. Kovacic has made more than 200 appearances for the Blues. He played a pivotal role in the 2018/19 Europa League triumph and the 20/2021 Champions League success. He is considered one of the best central midfielders in Europe, and Guardiola can make the most out of his prime years.