Manchester United
Premier League • England
Man Utd ‘willing’ to pay £30m for Chelsea star as Ten Hag looks to capitalise on Boehly firesale
Manchester United are strongly considering a move for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer, according to reports.
The Croatia international is likely to leave Stamford Bridge, with Todd Boehly looking to get several players off the books this summer.
However, Man Utd are not the only club interested in Kovacic, with Bayern Munich also believed to be in the race for his signature.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Kovacic is one of 15 players who could leave Chelsea.
Boehly’s spending spree this season has left the London club at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules. As a result, they need to sell several players this summer.
Now, it seems Man Utd are looking to capitalise on Chelsea’s situation by making a move for Kovacic. It’s no secret Erik ten Hag is looking to bolster his squad, with the Red Devils linked with several midfielders recently.
Also, with Scott McTominay looking set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, Man Utd will need to bring in a replacement for him.
Man Utd willing to pay £30m for Kovacic
According to Football Insider, Man Utd are ‘keeping tabs’ on Kovacic’s situation at Chelsea.
The midfielder’s contract is set to expire in June 2024. So, the Blues reportedly want to sell him this summer to ensure they don’t lose him on a free transfer.
The report states that Chelsea are looking for a fee ‘between £30m and £40m’ for Kovacic, and, Man Utd are ‘willing’ to pay £30m for him.
Since signing for the Blues in 2019, Kovacic has made 220 appearances across all competitions. In the process, he has scored six goals and made 15 assists.
The Croatian has played a key role in Chelsea’s recent success, too. Indeed, he has helped his team win the Champions League, Europa League and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Also, at his previous club Real Madrid, Kovacic won three Champions Leagues and a LaLiga title. With that in mind, he could be exactly the kind of player Man Utd need to become serial trophy winners again.
However, as mentioned, the Red Devils aren’t the only team in the race for his signature. Thomas Tuchel is thought to be interested in a reunion with his former player at Bayern Munich. But, Real Madrid also have Kovacic on their radar.
As it stands, Man Utd seem to have the advantage in the pursuit of Kovacic, but there could be some more twists ahead of next season.