Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are both considering moves for Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovačić, with Manchester City reportedly willing to listen to offers for the experienced playmaker this summer.
According to SportsBoom, City are open to negotiations as Kovačić enters the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, although the Premier League champions are not actively looking to force the Croatian international out of the club.
The 32-year-old endured a frustrating 2025/26 campaign, making just six Premier League appearances – the fewest league outings of his professional career. Injuries and fierce competition for places under Pep Guardiola limited his opportunities, leaving the midfielder eager to find regular first-team football.
Both Forest and Villa are believed to be searching for experienced reinforcements in midfield and see Kovačić as an ideal candidate, thanks to his leadership, composure and wealth of experience at the highest level.
Kovačić joined Manchester City from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 on a four-year contract, becoming the first Croatian player to represent the club. During his time in Manchester, he has added further silverware to an already remarkable collection, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
A product of Dinamo Zagreb’s renowned academy, Kovačić has enjoyed a glittering career that has taken him to Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City. Along the way he has won multiple domestic league titles and European honours, including the UEFA Champions League with both Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Internationally, the midfielder remains one of Croatia’s most decorated players. With 114 caps for his country, he played a key role in Croatia’s run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and helped the national team secure third place at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
With two ambitious Premier League clubs reportedly monitoring his situation, Kovačić’s future could become one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer stories.