Mateo Kovacic opens up on Chelsea future amid Manchester City transfer speculation | OneFootball

Manchester City have been name-dropped for the first time by midfield transfer target Mateo Kovacic, since reports recently linked him with a move to the Etihad Stadium.

After intensified speculation surrounding the future of the Croatia international over the past fortnight, it was first reported prior to last weekend’s Emirates FA Cup final that Mateo Kovacic had agreed personal terms with Manchester City.

That claim followed confirmation from various reliable sources that Manchester City had been granted permission by Stamford Bridge officials to speak to the Chelsea midfielder over the possibility of a summer transfer window switch north.

With Chelsea looking towards a major overhaul of their expansive playing squad over the next few weeks, the opportunity to sign Kovacic has appealed to the likes of Pep Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain – who have admired the talents of the Croatian for several years.

As confidence over a deal grows within the Manchester City camp, Kovacic has spoken for the first time on the situation – both concerning his future with Chelsea, and the possibility of joining the Premier League champions.

Speaking this week to Yahoo Deportes, the Croatia international explained on his club level future, “I have one year left on my contract with Chelsea. It’s been a really bad season. Everything indicates that, after five years, I’ll change the environment.”

The 29 year-old continued, “But we’ll see what happens. Right now, I’m only focused on Croatia and the UEFA Nations League.”

Mentioning Manchester City for the first time since being linked with a £35 million transfer to the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks, Mateo Kovacic also piled on the praise for the Premier League champions ahead of their European cup final on Saturday night.

“Manchester City is a top team and deserves to be in the Champions League final,” Kovacic admitted to Yahoo Deportes. “That’s what I have to say. The summer is long, we’ll see what happens.

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

As Manchester City transfer chiefs continue to have one eye on signings into the club this summer, focus also remains very much on clarification over the future of a number of first-team stars.

Ilkay Gundogan’s contract remains unresolved despite expiring in the coming weeks, although the understanding is that the Germany international will offer a decision once the 2023 Champions League final is out of the way this weekend.

Elsewhere, Bernardo Silva is understood to once again be keen on a Manchester City exit, providing the club can be offered a satisfactory proposal from a potential suitor within European football, as Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain continue to show interest.