AC Milan Targets Mateo Kovacic Amid Manchester City Contract Uncertainty

Mateo Kovacic, the 31-year-old midfielder for Manchester City, is reportedly attracting interest from AC Milan as he approaches the final two years of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Kovacic joined Manchester City from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a fee of £25 million plus £5 million in add-ons, following a successful stint at Chelsea where he won multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League. Since his arrival, he has made 89 appearances for City, contributing 10 goals and four assists. However, his recent performance has been hampered by an Achilles injury, which sidelined him for several months before he made his return in a match against Everton.

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AC Milan is preparing to make a move for Kovacic, potentially as early as next summer. Reports suggest that the Serie A club could secure his services for a bargain price of approximately €10 million (£9 million), given that he is not in negotiations for a contract extension with Manchester City. Milan plans to leverage the close relationship between Kovacic and fellow Croatian Luka Modric, who could play a pivotal role in persuading Kovacic to join the Rossoneri. Despite having previously played for Inter Milan, Kovacic's potential move to Milan is seen as a strategic addition to their squad.

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While there has been no official comment from Manchester City regarding Kovacic's future, the club's strategy appears to be shifting towards younger talent. Pep Guardiola has been reenergizing the squad, which raises questions about Kovacic's long-term role at City. Reports indicate that City may be inclined to sell players over 30, particularly if they can capitalize on their market value before contract expirations.

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Critics of Kovacic's potential move to Milan point out that his high weekly wages could pose a challenge for the Serie A club. However, Milan's management is optimistic about negotiating a pay cut with Kovacic. Additionally, there are concerns about the competition he may face from other clubs in the Premier League and La Liga, which are also monitoring his situation closely.

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As the January transfer window approaches, Kovacic's situation will be closely watched. His performance in the coming months will likely influence both his standing at Manchester City and the interest from AC Milan and other clubs. The outcome of this potential transfer could significantly impact both Kovacic's career trajectory and Milan's midfield dynamics as they look to replace the aging Modric.

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In summary, Mateo Kovacic's future at Manchester City is uncertain as AC Milan eyes a potential transfer, leveraging both his contract situation and his connection with Luka Modric to secure his signature.

The Sporting News