Mateo Kovacic is reportedly close to joining Manchester City in a £25million deal.
The Croatian midfielder is one of several players expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. And according to Sportsmail, his exit is very close as Chelsea have accepted the bid submitted by Man City. According to the report, City and Chelsea hope the signing will be concluded before the end of this week.
Chelsea granted Pep Guardiola’s side permission to Kovacic at the start of the month before he went on international duty. The 29-year-old and City have agreed on personal terms, with only the talks between the clubs remaining for the deal to be sealed.
Chelsea agreed to sell Kovacic this summer to avoid losing in for free next season as he has just one year on his contract. The Croatian has spent five years at Stamford Bridge, initially joining on loan from Real Madrid. He made 221 appearances for the Blues, scoring six times and providing 15 assists. Kovacic won the Europa League and Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge and was a key squad member, and captained the side occasionally.
Manchester City are closing in on Mateo Kovacić deal — it’s matter of details as the agreement with Chelsea looks finally imminent. 🚨🔵🇭🇷 #MCFC
Understand City are convinced to get it done and sealed this week.
Personal terms agreed two weeks ago, Kovacić wants Man City. pic.twitter.com/FksQYnbkKx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2023
Meanwhile, Manchester City will reportedly follow up the capture of Kovacic with the capture of highly-rated RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol.
The defender, who is also Kovacic’s international teammate, is one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. At 21 years, Pep Guardiola sees him as an ideal replacement for Ayemeric Laporte, who is likely to be sold by City this summer.
