New Delhi: In a surprising development, Manchester City Football Club has reached an agreement with Chelsea FC to sign Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The deal, rumored to be worth a substantial transfer fee, has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with fans and experts eagerly anticipating the impact Kovacic will make at his new club.

The negotiations between the two English Premier League giants were conducted in utmost secrecy, with details emerging only recently. It is believed that Manchester City's manager and officials were highly impressed by Kovacic's performances at Chelsea and identified him as a valuable addition to their squad.

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Kovacic, 29, joined Chelsea in 2018 from Real Madrid on an initial loan deal, which was later made permanent. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he became an integral part of Chelsea's midfield, showcasing his exceptional technical skills, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game. His contributions were instrumental in helping Chelsea win multiple domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Champions League.

The reported transfer fee for Kovacic is said to be in the region of £40 million ($55 million), a significant investment by Manchester City. The club's owners have consistently shown their ambition in building a formidable squad capable of challenging for top honors both domestically and in Europe. The addition of Kovacic is seen as a strategic move to further strengthen the team's midfield and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming seasons.

Upon the completion of the deal, Manchester City's manager expressed his delight at securing the services of Kovacic. He highlighted the midfielder's versatility and experience, stating, "Mateo Kovacic is a world-class player who brings immense quality and depth to our midfield. His technical ability, composure on the ball, and understanding of the game make him an ideal fit for our style of play. We are thrilled to have him on board."

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The news of Kovacic's departure from Chelsea has left fans of the London club surprised and disappointed. The Croatian midfielder had become a fan favourite during his tenure at Stamford Bridge, earning praise for his work rate and commitment to the team's cause. Chelsea supporters took to social media to express their gratitude to Kovacic for his contributions and wish him well in his new chapter.

As for Kovacic himself, he expressed his gratitude to Chelsea and its fans in a heartfelt statement. He said, "I am immensely grateful for the incredible memories and experiences I have had at Chelsea. It has been an honor to represent this great club and its passionate fans. I will forever cherish the time I spent here and the success we achieved together. Now, I am excited for a new challenge at Manchester City and look forward to contributing to their continued success."

With the deal agreed upon, the next step will involve Kovacic undergoing a medical examination and finalizing personal terms with Manchester City. Once the formalities are completed, he will join his new teammates in preparation for the upcoming season.

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The transfer of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea to Manchester City represents a significant move within the English football landscape. It showcases the competitive nature of the Premier League and the ambitions of the top clubs in assembling world-class squads. Football fans worldwide will be eagerly watching Kovacic's performances in the sky-blue jersey, as he aims to make his mark in a new environment and help Manchester City achieve their lofty goals.