City dominated the early stages before Raul Jimenez’s outstanding backheel cross enabled Andreas Pereira to score from close range.

Adama Traore missed two big chances either side of that – being denied by Ederson in a one-on-one and then skying a shot from inside the box.

And City midfielder Kovacic made him pay.

His first was a first-time effort from a half-cleared corner that went in via a deflection.

And his second, shortly into the second half, was a much cleaner strike from the edge of the area.

There was almost a twist, as Traore beat Kyle Walker for pace before again shooting at Ederson.

In fact, City conceded several more chances before Jeremy Doku drifted in from the left and crashed a fantastic strike into the far top corner.

At that stage you thought surely City were home and dry but they left substitute Rodrigo Muniz free in the box to give Fulham renewed hope late on.

But Marco Silva’s side could not muster an equaliser.

City are now unbeaten in 50 home games in all competitions, the fourth English top-flight side to ever manage that.

The deal for the 29-year-old is also worth a possible £5m in add-ons and he has signed a four-year contract.

Kovacic is City’s first signing of the summer after they won the Treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup titles last season.

“This is a brilliant move for me, and I cannot wait to get started with City,” said Kovacic.

His arrival follows the club announcing Ilkay Gundogan’s free transfer to Barcelona, while City have had a £90m bid – thought to have included an £80m initial payment – for England midfielder Declan Rice rejected by West Ham.

Kovacic added: “Anyone who has watched this team under [manager] Pep [Guardiola] knows how good they are – for me, they are the best in the world. The trophies they have won are clear for all to see, but they are also the best footballing side out there.

“To be joining this squad really is a dream for any footballer. I still have plenty of learning and developing to do, and I know under Pep’s management I can become a better player, which is really exciting for me.

“My plan now is to rest for a few weeks before coming back to Manchester to prepare for the new season. I want to help this club stay at the top and win more trophies.”

Kovacic joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in August 2018, initially on loan, before signing a five-year deal.

He made 37 appearances for the club in a turbulent campaign last season as they finished 12th in the top flight.

Kovacic was part of the Chelsea side who won the Champions League in 2021, coming on as a late substitute in the 1-0 final win over City.

At international level, Kovacic has made 95 appearances for Croatia, playing every game as they finished third at the 2022 World Cup.

“It was a very simple decision to bring him to City because he has the tactical and technical qualities we are looking for in a midfielder,” said City director of football Txiki Begiristain.

“He is someone we have monitored for a very long time and always we were impressed whenever we watched him.”

The Croatia midfielder, 29, is set to join the Premier League champions for an initial fee of £25m, with £5m in potential add-ons.

Chelsea are continuing to sell players as they look to trim their large squad for new manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Fellow midfielder N’Golo Kante is also on his way out, having agreed to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

Kovacic joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2019, initially on loan, before signing a five-year permanent contract.

The arrival of Kovacic will throw further doubt on Ilkay Gundogan’s Manchester City future, with the Germany midfielder’s contract about to expire.

Kovacic made 37 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season in a turbulent campaign which saw the Blues go through three managers before finishing 12th in the Premier League.

He was part of the Chelsea side who won the Champions League in 2021, coming on as a late substitute in the 1-0 final win over City.

At the international level, Kovacic has made 95 appearances for Croatia, playing every game as they finished third at the 2022 World Cup.