Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano on Club Who Wanted to Beat Man City to Kovacic Transfer + How it Affects Rice-Arsenal
Key Highlights :
Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City transfer and what it means for Declan Rice and Arsenal. Writing in his exclusive column for CaughtOffside, Romano explained that Bayern Munich also wanted Kovacic, but quickly left the race as it was clear that the Croatia international’s preference was always to join City and play under Pep Guardiola. Some fans may also have been wondering how City’s move for Kovacic could affect the Rice situation, but it seems Romano says things are unchanged in that department for now.
Mateo Kovacic has officially become a Manchester City player after signing a four-year contract with the club, with the transfer fee reported to be in the region of £25 million. The move has been seen as a major coup for City, who have been able to beat off competition from a number of top European clubs to secure the services of the Croatia international.
Romano explained that Bayern Munich also approached Chelsea to ask about the price, but quickly left the race after learning that the player only wanted to join City and to play under Guardiola. This was a major blow for the Bavarian giants, who had been hoping to add Kovacic to their star-studded midfield.
For now, it’s not looking like this deal majorly changes things regarding Declan Rice – City are informed on Rice’s situation, but Arsenal still remain the favourites and will make a third bid for the West Ham captain, for sure. Arsenal fans will certainly hope they remain in pole position for Rice, as it could be a game-changer in the title race, whereas City’s midfield would be unstoppable if they could replace the departing Ilkay Gundogan with both Kovacic and Rice.
It remains to be seen how this transfer saga will end, but one thing is for sure – it’s going to be an exciting summer of transfer activity at the Etihad Stadium. With Guardiola and his team looking to make a statement in the Premier League next season, the signing of Kovacic could be the first of many moves to come.
