The first update concerns what is set to be Manchester City’s first signing of the 2023 summer transfer window.
The player in question is Mateo Kovacic. Reports last week claimed the 29-year-old is ready to accept a contract offer from Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning side while the clubs were locked in negotiations over his transfer fee.
Kovacic is now entering the final year of his Chelsea contract, so his transfer fee was not expected to be too high.
And on Wednesday, it has been reported that Manchester City have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The fee is understood to be worth £30m. Breaking it down, £25m will be guaranteed, with the remaining £5m coming in performance-related add-ons.
With Ilkay Gundogan set to be a free agent at the end of June, the signing of Kovacic makes perfect sense for Man City.
Elsewhere, Riyad Maharez has hit out at reports linking him with a move away from the Etihad. Taking to Twitter, the winger quote-tweeted a tweet – which has since been deleted – claiming Mahrez wanted a new contract or wanted to leave Man City.
Day 1 of holidays and already lies ❌🥲😂 https://t.co/B4n65uIhup
— Riyad Mahrez (@Mahrez22) June 21, 2023
