Man City told to hijack Mateo Kovacic talks ‘now’ after source’s reveal – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Man City should pounce on Chelsea’s poor 2022-23 campaign by swooping for Mateo Kovacic this summer.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old needs to be playing at the highest level “now” as he enters his prime years.
Sources told this site on Tuesday (28 February) that Chelsea have made new contract talks with Kovacic a “priority” as a deal for N’Golo Kante inches closer.
Kovacic is into the final 18 months of his current Stamford Bridge contract.
He has been limited to just eight Premier League starts this season due to a number of injury problems – but Chelsea view him as part of their long-term plans.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed last week (26 February) that Man City will look to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window after Barcelona registered interest in Ilkay Gundogan.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Kovacic is definitely a Man City-style player.
“He loves to build from the back, he’s technically very good, he can run with the ball. Playing in tight spaces is something he’s probably best at.
“I think he gets in most teams in the world, to be honest. He’s a top, top player.
“If Chelsea don’t look like getting anywhere near the Champions League, why would he sign a new contract?
“He’s 28, and he needs to be playing at the highest level right now. The rest of this Chelsea team have got room to grow, he doesn’t.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Newcastle agree deal for Man City man.