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Football London
Football London
Sport
Scott Trotter & Bobby Vincent

Mateo Kovacic completes Man City transfer as Chelsea midfield revamp continues

Mateo Kovacic has completed his transfer from Chelsea to Manchester City for a fee that could reach £30 million. The Croatian international joins Pep Guardiola's side on a four-year deal.

Kovacic brings an end to his five-year stay at Stamford Bridge having first joined the club on loan from Real Madrid in 2018. The 29-year-old made 221 appearances for the Blues winning the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

The midfielder joins the Premier League champions in the aftermath of Ilkay Gundogan's free transfer to Barcelona. Kovacic is the second central midfielder to depart the Blues following N'Golo Kante's move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

On the move, Kovacic said: "This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City. Anyone who has watched this team under Pep 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.

READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Harry Kane bid, Caicedo move, Mount latest, Kovacic exit

"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."

Chelsea are understood to be receiving around £25million for Kovacic as the Blues continue their squad revamp. Next out of the door are likely to be Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kai Havertz.

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