‘Finally a soild target’, ‘would be perfect for Pep’ – Man City fans react to the Club’s interest in £40m Chelsea star

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims the club is interested in Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovačić, with Pep Guardiola a big admirer of the player.

The Citizens are expected to undergo major changes to their first-team playing squad during the upcoming summer transfer window, and the midfield roles are an area to be addressed.

City’s top midfield target is Jude Bellingham, but the club face competition from Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

As a result, Man City transfer chiefs continue to sound out other possible options to expand their target list ahead of the summer market, and a new report has drawn the club towards Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovačić.

The 28 year old Croatia international, who cost Chelsea £40million back in 2019, has been plagued by endless small injuries which have prevented him finding his best form for some time.

Despite putting in some brilliant performances last year, Kovacic has struggled to find any form at all under Graham Potter, and suddenly an exit which would have seemed unlikely a year ago feels very possible.

According to Journalist Matt Law and James Ducker reporting for The Telegraph, Manchester City hold an interest in the Chelsea midfielder – with the Croatia international facing an important summer in regards to his future.

It is highlighted that the 28 year-old’s current contract at Stamford Bridge runs until the summer of 2024, with Chelsea determined to avoid a scenario where players enter the final 12 months of their deals.

Pep Guardiola is apparently a “big admirer” of Kova, and tried to sign him 5 years ago before he made the move (initially on loan) to Stamford Bridge.

The City manager was seen talking excitedly with 28 year old Croatia international Kovacic after he played well in City’s win over Chelsea last month.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@MantusMCFC: “Finally a soild target.”

@macwills95: “He’d be unreal in our midfield.”

@mancity_talk: “Always said Kovacic is an elite midfielder, would be perfect for Pep.”

@StevenMcinerney: “Genuinely think he’d be very good working with Pep.”

@DavidHartley21: “I’m not against this. Tidy player. Got the nous to play in a Pep side. Good rotation option.”

@Babylon_Zen: “Age is the only question I would have on this signing”

@Belgian_Hotspur: “City usually go for younger profiles, but this would be an excellent short term Bernardo/Gundogan replacement.”

@vivek_s2000: “Would actually be a pretty neat replacement for Gundogan, not as good obviously but similar profiles.”