MX23RW : Thursday, November 7 15:52:45| >> :60:2295:2295:

Mateo Kovacic reveals he is likely to leave Chelsea this summer

Mateo Kovacic reveals he is likely to leave Chelsea this summer
© Reuters
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.

ID:515833:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4357:

Click here for more stories about Mateo Kovacic

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol pictured during the warm up before the match on March 14, 2023
Read Next:
Manchester City planning Josko Gvardiol move?
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!