With the World Cup finished, the summer transfer window is now starting to heat up, as managers look to bring in additions to their squads ahead of the start of the 2018/19 campaign.
Plenty of big names have been linked with switches, and with that in mind, we’re taking a closer look at some of Europe’s most in-demand stars.
Next up, we’re taking a look at Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic …
Kovacic has reportedly told Julen Lopetegui that he would like to leave Real Madrid in search of regular first-team football.
The 24-year-old will once again be behind Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in Los Blancos’ pecking order, and with a host of Premier League clubs interested, the Croatian could be on the move at the right time to reignite his career.
With plenty of competition in midfield, Mateo Kovacic has had to settle for a spot on the bench regularly
At least three of England’s top clubs are reportedly keen, with Arsenal and Tottenham seemingly the most likely destinations, as both Unai Emery and Mauricio Pochettino look for midfield reinforcements.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Steven Nzonzi, but his age and asking price may mean they switch their attentions to Kovacic, while Pochettino could look to the former Dinamo Zagreb man should Belgium midfielder Mousa Dembele depart this summer.
Kovacic is well known in Italy from his time at Internazionale, and with Miralem Pjanic rumoured to be on the way out at Juventus, and Radja Nainggolan already departing Roma for Inter, both Serie A clubs could make a move for Kovacic.
Mateo Kovacic (l) has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot at Real Madrid
The three-time Champions League winner has made 109 appearances for Real Madrid in his three seasons at the Bernabeu, but has regularly missed out on the bigger games under previous boss Zinedine Zidane.
However, with Modric turning 33 later this year, Lopetegui may well fight to keep hold of Kovacic, who has long been touted as the ideal replacement for his fellow countryman at the heart of Madrid’s midfield.
