Treble winners Man City and Chelsea are reportedly ‘working towards an agreement’ over Mateo Kovacic’s summer move to the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola’s side made history during the 2022/23 campaign as they won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
The Spanish head coach is renowned for being unwilling to stand still when it comes to his squad and another overhaul is on the cards this summer.
With Bernardo Silva and Kyle Walker among the players being linked with moves elsewhere, Man City are looking to sign Kovacic from their Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The Croatia international signed for Chelsea for £40m in 2019 after his initial loan move from Real Madrid was made permanent.
The midfielder has been one of Chelsea’s more consistent performers over the past few years, but they are willing to let him move ahead of his contract expiry in 2024, as they are with Mason Mount.
City have ‘submitted a written bid of £25m’ to their Premier League rivals for Kovacic and they have already been ‘granted permission’ to speak with the 29-year-old. The report adds.
‘The former Real Madrid midfielder, 29, wants to join the Premier League champions with the two clubs now working to find a solution.
‘The Croatian international has just one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.
‘Pep Guardiola is keen to get a deal over the line having been an admirer of the player since his time at Madrid.’
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While Kovacic may be heading to the Etihad, Ilkay Gundogan could be departing Man City this summer.
The 32-year-old was superb for City in 2022/23 as he grabbed 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions but he is out of contract this summer.
Arsenal and Barcelona have been linked with him of late and Gundogan has now ruled out a potential return to Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.
“No decision has been made yet, I’m still in the process to decide my future,” Gundogan said.
“There was a contact with Borussia Dortmund but it was never close as the return to Bundesliga is not part of my plans.”
Guardiola added: “I’m aware of Barcelona interest in signing Gündo but we’re also very interested in keeping him at the club! I hope he stays with us.
“If Barcelona succeed in signing him, they will get a great, fantastic player.
“I know Barcelona love Gündogan and Xavi has called him many times. We want him to continue — if in the end he decides to join Barça, I will tell him that he will have a great time.”
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