Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic’s contract situation could make him be on his way out of the Etihad Stadium, with Premier League rivals West Ham United and Aston Villa reportedly preparing to make a move for the Croatian international.
The 31-year-old’s future at City appears increasingly uncertain after it emerged that he is not in discussions to extend his current deal with the Sky Blues.
CaughtOffside reported that multiple sources close to the situation, Manchester City are expected to entertain offers for Kovacic in the coming transfer window, opening the door for potential suitors both in England and abroad.
The midfielder, who joined City from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Pep Guardiola this season, often finding himself behind the likes of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Mateo Nunes in the midfield hierarchy.
With limited playing time and no signs that Mateo Kovacic’s contract will be renewed, the former Real Madrid and Chelsea man could now be set for another move—one that would allow him to play a more central role elsewhere.
Both West Ham and Aston Villa are believed to be monitoring the situation closely, while reports suggest that Serie A giants AC Milan could be leading the chase for his signature.
Milan leading the race but Premier League interest remains strong
AC Milan are understood to be weighing up a January move for Kovacic, who previously enjoyed a successful spell in Serie A with Inter Milan earlier in his career.
Sources indicate that the Croatian could be tempted by a return to Italy, with the prospect of reuniting with national teammate Luka Modric—a long-time target for Milan—proving particularly appealing.
“The likelihood is that City will be receptive to offers in January. Milan in particular are looking at this opportunity to accelerate a move,” the source said.
However, while Milan appear to be in pole position at this stage, West Ham United and Aston Villa are also keen on acquiring Kovacic’s services.
Both Premier League sides have impressed under their respective managers, and are looking to strengthen their midfield options ahead of a busy second half of the campaign.
West Ham are reportedly seeking another experienced midfielder to complement their current setup, especially given the club’s involvement in multiple competitions. Aston Villa, on the other hand, are pushing for European qualification and believe Kovacic’s experience at the highest level could add further stability and creativity to their squad.
“There are no talks ongoing over a new contract for Kovacic at City,” a source, who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, told me. “West Ham and Aston Villa are also interested, but less advanced for now. Same for Villarreal and Real Betis.”
Guardiola ready to make midfield changes
For Manchester City, the potential departure of Kovacic could mark another step in Pep Guardiola’s ongoing midfield reshuffle. After the treble-winning campaign, City strengthened their midfield options with the arrivals of Matheus Nunes and the development of Rico Lewis into a more versatile role, leaving Kovacic with limited opportunities.
The Croatian’s time at City has been marked by flashes of quality but also inconsistency, as he struggled to replicate the influential form he showed at Chelsea or in his earlier years in Spain and Italy.
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His experience and tactical awareness have never been in doubt, but with City evolving their style and squad depth, his role has become increasingly peripheral.
The Sky Blues have often taken a pragmatic approach to squad management, allowing experienced players to leave when opportunities elsewhere arise. Similar exits in recent years—such as Ilkay Gündogan to Barcelona and then to Galatasaray and Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli—have shown City’s willingness to refresh their lineup while maintaining balance in the dressing room.
If Kovacic departs, Guardiola is unlikely to push for a direct replacement immediately, instead relying on his existing midfield options and potentially promoting from within.
