Transfer Centre

Mateo Kovacic reveals he is likely to leave Chelsea this summer

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 08 June 2023

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic admits that he is likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Manchester City seemingly in pole position to sign him.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has admitted that he is likely to leave Stamford Bridge during this summer's transfer window, with Manchester City the favourites to sign him.

The 29-year-old was again an important player for the Blues during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 37 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists in the process.

Kovacic only has one year left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge, though, and he is widely expected to leave Chelsea this summer in search of pastures new.

The midfielder has said that he is currently focused on international matters, with Croatia preparing to face the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League on June 14.

However, Kovacic has said that all of the signs are pointing to him switching clubs this summer.

Mateo Kovacic during Chelsea training on September 13, 2022 © Reuters

"I have one more year with Chelsea, this season was very bad. Everything is going towards the fact that after five good years I will change, but in football anything can happen. Right now, I'm focused on Croatia and the Nations League," he told Nacional.

Man City are said to be the favourites for the Croatia international, with Citizens head coach Pep Guardiola believed to view him as the ideal midfield acquisition this summer.

Kovacic branded the Premier League champions "a top team" when questioned on them and also said that they 'deserve to be in the Champions League final'.

"Manchester City is a top team and deserves to be in the Champions League final. That's what I have to say. The summer is long, we'll see what happens," he added while on international duty.

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic celebrates scoring against Red Bull Salzburg on October 25, 2022. © Reuters

"Chelsea is phenomenal for me. I love the city and the fans, they love me, I have wonderful memories of Chelsea. We'll see what happens."

Kovacic has reportedly already agreed personal terms with Man City, with the club now in discussions with Chelsea over a transfer fee.

The Croatian made the move to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid in July 2019, and he has featured on 221 occasions for the London club, scoring six goals and registering 15 assists in the process.

The Blues are believed to be interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo this summer, but they will need to sell some first-team players in order to balance the books.

As well as Kovacic, Mason Mount could depart, with the England international currently being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, although the two clubs allegedly remain some way apart in terms of their valuations of the player.