Aston Villa must reignite Mateo Kovacic chase as Man City ‘likely’ to sanction summer transfer

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Aston Villa have been linked in the past, and he could be a strong option for them to pursue again this summer, as they look to add Champions League quality to Unai Emery’s arsenal. 🔄 Aston Villa Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on signings, departures, and contract news from the Aston Villa boardroom. VISIT THE VILLA TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Mateo Kovacic exit planned as Aston Villa move has obvious benefitsFormer Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on Sunday that Kovacic is “likely” to leave City this summer, as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract.

StatsKovacic TotalsApps (Starts)6 (1)G/A1Chances Created per 902.86Pass Accuracy91.2%Tackles per 901.43Duels Won %50%Kovacic’s 2025-26 Premier League stats, as per Fotmob.That could potentially play perfectly into the hands of Villa, who were previously linked with a mid-season move for Kovacic, according to CaughtOffside.Emery and Co. should be looking to reignite that pursuit this summer in order to add further experience and quality to the centre of their midfield. His injury record will be a concern, but given the depth that Villa already have in their midfield, it wouldn’t necessarily matter if he couldn’t play in the majority of games.

Villa already working on new contract for midfielderFootball Insider revealed last week that Villa are in talks with Lamare Bogarde over a new contract, as a reward for the progress that he has made over the course of the season. The 22-year-old enjoyed a coming-of-age campaign at Villa Park, and the club hierarchy are now working hard to tie him down to a long-term deal, after Brighton showed an interest in him back in January.Bogarde looks set to be the next midfield star to come through Villa’s ranks, and they may want to avoid stunting his progress by adding too many further options in his position. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath.