After the incredible 2022-23 season that ended with winning of the Premier League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League, Manchester City are facing some changes in the roster. Key players such as Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker might not be part of the squad next season, for different reasons. On the other hand, Pep Guardiola’s team is also expected to make some changes in the midfield, with current Chelsea player Mateo Kovacic as one who is expected to join the Citizens in the comings weeks. Let’s recap all the latest transfer rumors:
Kovacic arrives
June 27 — City’s new No.8 has signed up, only a few days after the man who previously donned the shirt, Gundogan, departed for Barcelona. Kovacic has signed a four year contract at the Etihad Stadium after City agreed a £25 million deal with Chelsea that includes a further £5 million in potential add ons. The 29 year old might not have a track record of the sort of goals Gundogan weighed in with in the latter years of his City career but Kovacic is as shrewd a midfielder as you can imagine and will surely have no difficulties adapting to Pep Guardiola’s demands of him.
“To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer,” said Kovacic. “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.”
Rice headed to Arsenal
June 28: Arsenal are finalizing a deal with West Ham for Declan Rice worth £105 million after City backed out of the running on Tuesday night. Arsenal came in with a guaranteed £100 million offer with a further £5 million in add-ons. The offer was not immediately rejected by West Ham, as the first two were. The Hammers instead want the deal…
