Chelsea set price tag for in-demand midfielder as Manchester City circle

Stamford Bridge officials have reportedly named their price for midfielder Mateo Kovacic, with Manchester City in the market for new recruits.

With the respective futures of Manchester City mainstays Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva remaining uncertain, Etihad officials have been busy trying to find replacements for the duo, who have played a significant role in this season’s ongoing success.

While there have been reports regarding the reigning Premier League champions meeting with their German captain over contract demands – which would also curb the interest both domestically and abroad from Arsenal and Barcelona – nothing has come to fruition so far.

Following a flurry of setbacks in their race for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, who now seems nailed on to join Real Madrid in the coming weeks, Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic has been highlighted as a potential pivot for Manchester City.

Kovacic has registered 36 appearances across all competitions so far this season for Chelsea, scoring two goals and providing a further two assists, while also being under the watchful eye of Pep Guardiola and co for a number of seasons.

As previously reported, the 29 year-old would not be against playing for the Premier League champions in the upcoming season, and is ‘keen’ to make a move north.

Stamford Bridge chiefs are not entirely opposed to the prospect of selling the Croatian midfielder either, having set a price tag between £30 million and £40 million, according to a report from Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider.

While there has not been an official offer made for the 29-year-old by Manchester City, recent developments relayed by O’Rourke would indicate that Chelsea would accept a £40 million bid from Etihad officials, if it were to be made.

City are not the only club looking to acquire Kovacic, as Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich – headed by former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel – are also looking to bring him over in the summer window.

Other options for Manchester City in the middle of the park this summer could include Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga – who is understood to have an attractive release clause in his contract, as well as Leicester City’s James Maddison.