From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City now ‘really close’ to agreement on personal terms with Chelsea star

Manchester City are now ‘really close’ to reaching an agreement with Mateo Kovacic on personal terms, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Discussions over the potential signing of the 29 year-old have intensified in recent days, with the Premier League champions having been granted permission to speak to the player directly by Chelsea.

City have been known to be in the market for new central midfield options for a number of months now, but have had to rethink their strategy to some extent after Jude Bellingham opted to join Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund – with that deal now close to completion.

Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic has long been admired by those within the Etihad Stadium, namely Pep Guardiola, and City had pursued a deal for the Croatia international during his time with Real Madrid.

Now, the summer of 2023 may be Manchester City’s time to finally sign their man, with reports in the last few days indicating a clear positive trend towards Kovacic switch the south of England for the north in the coming weeks.

According to a fresh update from Fabrizio Romano, an agreement between Manchester City and Mateo Kovacic himself on the subject of personal terms is now ‘really close’, and is ‘almost completed’.

While confirming that Mateo Kovacic will be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, Romano further states that City and Chelsea will now be in direct contact to discuss a transfer fee for the midfielder.

Some sources have indicated that Stamford Bridge officials will seek a fee in the region of £35 million, with Manchester City viewing Kovacic has a versatile option for the middle of the park, capable of playing in defensive midfield, and in the slightly more advanced no. 8 position.

Talks to sign Kovacic are ongoing whilst the club also seek to iron out the intentions of club captain Ilkay Gundogan this summer, with the German midfielder out of contract upon the conclusion of the current season.

Whilst Guardiola in particular would like to retain the services of Gundogan, the focus of everyone at the club for now remains on the upcoming Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester United, and UEFA Champions League clash with Inter.