Atletico Madrid may reportedly target the signing of a Manchester City midfielder during the summer transfer window.
Pep Guardiola has commenced a period of change at the Etihad Stadium with four new players having been acquired since the turn of the year.
Despite being the last arrival, the acquisition of Nico Gonzalez from Porto was arguably the most necessary given the likely season-ending injury to Rodri.
The Spain international is now viewed as a first-choice pick by Guardiola, a consequence of several other squad members being above the age of 30 and having seemingly lost a yard of pace in the engine room.
According to Caught Offside, Atletico are contemplating whether to try to take advantage of the situation by handing one of City's most experienced stars a chance to return to La Liga.
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Kovacic Madrid return?
The report alleges that Mateo Kovacic has been identified as a potential addition to Diego Simeone's squad for next season.
Kovacic is no stranger to life in Spain having spent three years representing Real Madrid before eventually making the switch to Chelsea in 2018.
During his period at the Bernabeu, the Croatia international made 109 appearances and won nine pieces of silverware, and a return to La Liga may kick-start his career.
Although Kovacic has made 22 starts and nine substitute outings during 2024-25, he is no longer a guaranteed starter even with Rodri on the sidelines.
When more younger talent could be signed by City ahead of 2025-26, it creates a scenario where Kovacic may be demoted to the role of a bit-part player if he remains in the North-West of England.
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Is Kovacic needed at Atletico?
Still only 30 years of age, Kovacic has the potential to remain a key player at whichever club he represents across the next few years.
However, it is questionable whether Atletico are in need of a player of his qualities, particularly when they are rivalling Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga.
Pablo Barrios, Rodrigo De Paul, Conor Gallagher, Koke and Samuel Lino are all options in central midfield for Simeone.
That said, with Koke now 33 years of age and Lino a versatile option for Simeone, Kovacic could be viewed as an alternative for either of those players.
As it stands, City are said to value Kovacic in the region of €30m (£24.9m).
Darren Plant
