Manchester City Sign Mateo Kovacic From Chelsea For Initial £25Million

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Manchester City have signed Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for an initial £25m.

The deal for the 29-year-old is also worth a possible £5m in add-ons and he has signed a four-year contract.

Kovacic is City’s first signing of the summer after they won the Treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup titles last season.

“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” Kovacic said.

His arrival follows the club announcing Ilkay Gundogan’s free transfer to Barcelona, while City have had a £90m bid – thought to have included an £80m initial payment – for England midfielder Declan Rice is rejected by West Ham.

Kovacic added: “Anyone who has watched this team under [manager] Pep [Guardiola] knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there.

“To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me.

“My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.”

Kovacic joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in August 2018, initially on loan, before signing a five-year deal.

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