Mateo Kovacic says he wants to stay at Manchester City despite transfer interest

Mateo Kovacic says he wants to remain at Manchester City, despite reports linking the Croatia midfielder with a move away from the club during the current summer transfer window.

Kovacic has been associated with a return to Serie A, with Inter and Juventus both reported to be interested in signing him. The 32-year-old has only one year remaining on his Manchester City contract and made just nine appearances during the 2025-26 season after suffering injury problems.

However, Kovacic says he has received assurances that he remains part of the club’s plans under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Speaking during Manchester City’s training camp in Hong Kong, Kovacic said: “We spoke a little bit, of course. The manager relies on me, and in the end it is up to you to prove yourself and be in the best condition.”

He added: “It was important for me to hear that the club relies on me, and that the manager trusts me too. Now it is up to me to show my best. I did not feel any doubts from their side.”

Maresca had previously said he would “do everything he can” to keep Kovacic at Manchester City if the player did not leave the club this summer.

Manchester City have strengthened their midfield during the transfer window by signing Elliot Anderson for £116m. Nico Gonzalez and Tijjani Reijnders are also expected to remain among the team’s main midfield options.

Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes can provide further cover in the position when required, having both played as full-backs during the previous season.

Despite the increased competition for places, expectations are that Maresca considers Kovacic’s continued presence important to Manchester City. That is the case even though the club could lose him for nothing when his contract expires at the end of next summer.

Kovacic joined Manchester City after establishing himself as an experienced international midfielder and has remained an important figure when available. His progress last season was disrupted by injury, limiting him to nine club appearances.

He has since demonstrated that he has fully recovered by playing in four matches for Croatia at the World Cup. His performances for his country have added to the belief that he is ready to contribute regularly again for Manchester City.

The midfielder’s future remains a matter of interest because of his contract situation and reported attention from Italy. For now, though, Kovacic has made clear that his preference is to continue his career at Manchester City and prove his value under Maresca.