Luka Modric's verdict on Mateo Kovacic is great news for Man City amid Ilkay Gundogan exit

Mateo Kovacic looks set to be confirmed as a Manchester City player and past comments from Croatia teammate Luka Modric reveal exactly why Pep Guardiola moved so quickly to sign him.

Kovacic underwent a medical on Friday as he edged closer to becoming the first arrival of the summer. Earlier in the week, City and Chelsea agreed a fee for his sale, which MEN Sport believes to be £25million plus a further £5m in add-ons.

The 29-year-old's arrival will come just days after it was revealed that Ilkay Gundogan is set to join Barcelona on a free transfer. The German was named on City's summer released list, with the club unable to convince their club captain to extend his eight-year spell at the Etihad.

Gundogan has played a major role in City's success under Guardiola, chipping in with important goals on the biggest occasions. But more importantly, the 32-year-old's departure leaves a huge gap within the leadership group.

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The players will vote for a new captain at some point this summer, as well as putting forward a new member of their five-player leadership group. As with every year, Guardiola will not be involved in the process but the Blues boss knows the importance of having multiple captains within his squad.

"Without doubt (having strong leadership) is the most important thing," Guardiola said in February after his side beat Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates. I have had some huge characters at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and here.

"In a tough moment, they [leaders] take a step forward and go there without fear. Playing good or bad is not the most important thing in a long season, especially when trying to win titles."

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