Manchester City submit £25million to Chelsea for Mateo Kovacic
Man City edge closer in signing Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea after submitting £25million bid to Premier League rivals for Croatian midfielder.
Treble winning Manchester City have submitted £25million bid for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.
Mateo Kovacic completed a 6-year deal from Real Madrid to Chelsea in July 2019 but the Croatian International has been tipped to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea are in bid overhauling its squad ahead of the arrival new boss Mauricio Pochettino who is expected to inherit a young project when he begins work in July.
Kovacic is among the hosts of senior members departing West London this summer with the likes of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech, N’Golo Kante and Christian Pulisic on way out of Stamford Bridge.
Man City won the Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League last season and still keen on reinforcing especially their midfield. Gabri Veiga and Kovacic are said to be among the names on Pep Guardiola wishlist.
It’s understood that talks between Kovacic and Man City have commenced since last week and the Metro (UK) understands that the Champions have already agreed personal terms with Kovacic but are yet to reach an agreement with Chelsea over a transfer fee.
While this comes as a major progress on the deal, The Athletic has make a latest development on the transfer stating City have now submitted a £25million offer to Chelsea for the midfielder.
The report claims that Guardiola has also been a long-term admirer of Kovacic since his time at Real Madrid.
Kovacic, meanwhile, has just a year left on his contract and Chelsea are actively looking to sell players who have 12 months left to run in order to avoid seeing them leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer next year.
Manchester United are continuing their talks to sign Mason Mount, while Arsenal have tabled an improved offer for Kai Havertz.
Edouard Mendy has agreed personal terms with Al-Ahli, while Hakim Ziyech and Kalidou Koulibaly are also in talks to join the Saudi Pro League.
Inter have also explored the possibility of signing Koulibaly but want a loan deal for the defender, who cost Chelsea £34m last summer.
