Can Manchester City star miss out? AC Milan shows its "ace" to advance negotiations, but the fee is lower than expected

Recently, the transfer dynamics of Serie A giant AC Milan have attracted attention - according to Milan Live, a media owned by Gazzetta dello Sport, the Rossoneri are planning to pursue Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic next year. What is even more surprising is that the transfer fee for this powerful player who has helped the team win the Champions League and the Premier League may only be 10 million euros, which can be called a "baby price".

Speaking of Kovacic, fans who are familiar with the Premier League are no stranger. He joined Chelsea on loan in his early years, and then officially transferred for 40 million pounds. In 5 years, he helped the Blues win the Europa League and Champions League, becoming one of the core midfielders. In the summer of 2023, after Manchester City missed Rice and let Gundogan go, he signed him at a floating price of 25 million pounds + 5 million pounds as the first signing after the Triple Crown season.

During his time at Manchester City, Kovacic played a total of 89 times, contributing 10 goals and 4 assists. He won the Premier League, Club World Cup, European Super Cup and Community Shield with the team. He was an important rotation under Guardiola - especially when Rodri was injured. Although he was slightly inferior on the defensive end, he perfectly adapted to Manchester City's passing and control system, and could occasionally hit the world's savior. His strength is obvious to all.

However, this season, the 31-year-old Kovacic is not having a smooth life. He has just recovered from an Achilles tendon injury and only made a late comeback as a substitute in Manchester City's victory over Everton last weekend. More importantly, his contract with Manchester City expires in June 2027, and there is a high probability that the club will not renew his contract - after all, Guardiola is embarking on a replacement with young players, aiming to regain the top championship, and Kovacic's age and positioning are gradually marginalized.

This just gave AC Milan a chance. The report clearly mentioned that Milan is well aware that Kovacic and Manchester City "have no intention of renewing contract negotiations" and has listed him as a key target next summer. The most attractive thing is the transfer fee: only 10 million euros. For a midfielder with a resume of Champions League and Premier League championships and who can adapt to the top tactical system, it can be called a "low-price bargain".

Of course, Milan also faces a small problem: Kovacic's current weekly salary is too high for the Rossoneri. But the club management is confident that it can persuade players to accept a salary cut - after all, for Kovacic, if he gradually loses his position in Manchester City, joining Milan can not only gain stable playing time, but also return to the familiar stage of mainstream European leagues, which is very cost-effective.

What’s more interesting is that Milan may also be able to draw on the power of the “Croatian Gang”. Reports suggest that Kovacic's national team teammate and Real Madrid legend Modric may become Milan's "ace" in signing him. The two have a close personal relationship, and Modric also has a certain understanding of the Serie A. If he can connect him, it will undoubtedly increase the possibility of Kovacic joining.

For Milan, if they can acquire Kovacic for 10 million euros, they can not only strengthen the thickness of the midfield, but also improve the team's competitiveness with his experience; for Kovacic, this is also a good opportunity to get out of the current predicament and start a new chapter in his career. Next, it depends on whether both parties can advance this "win-win" deal next summer.