Manchester City poised to confirm two transfers as Declan Rice interest could intensify

In what has been perhaps the most significant day of the summer transfer window so far for Manchester City, strides were taken towards two confirmed deals.

City fans were treated to their first ‘Here We Go’ of the summer, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano kicked things into action for the Premier League champions by all-but announcing their first major arrival of the summer.

Things would however hit a more sad note for supporters later on in the day, as the future of club captain and fan-favourite Ilkay Gundogan was clarified by sources in Spain, England, and across the rest of Europe.

On day eight of the summer transfer window, here is your comprehensive coverage of everything in the world of Manchester City transfer news, rumours, and gossip!

Arrivals

Mateo Kovacić joins Manchester City from Chelsea, with a £25M initial fee with £5M in bonuses now agreed. Personal terms were agreed two weeks ago, with Kovacić only wanting to join City. Medicals will take place in the next days. (Fabrizio Romano)

Manchester City do want Declan Rice, as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City’s plan is to sign Josko Gvardiol and stick with the four-centre-back plan from the end of the season, rather than bring in a traditional full-back. (Sam Lee, The Athletic)

Manchester City are continuing talks with RB Leipzig over Josko Gvardiol and are confident of reaching an agreement to sign the defender, despite City being adamant that they will not meet the Bundesliga club’s €100M asking price. (Sean Walsh, Graeme Bailey – 90Min)

Departures

Ilkay Gündogan to Barcelona: Here We Go. The final approval has now arrived on the club’s side to register him as a new signing, with the green light also from the Manchester City midfielder. Gündogan has agreed a two-year deal, with the option for a further year. (Fabrizio Romano)

West Ham are keen to explore a deal for Declan Rice with Manchester City that would see Kalvin Phillips move to the London Stadium. (Rob Dawson, ESPN)

Bernardo Silva has not made any final decision on his Manchester City future yet. (Fabrizio Romano)

Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca: “One or two of them [Manchester City’s youth players] would do us nicely! City really do have a lot of young players that I know very well, having worked with them at under-23 level and coached there this season. Top quality players, but it wouldn’t be right to mention any names just at the moment because the lads will be away on holiday and maybe thinking about what’s next for them…” (The Telegraph)

Confirmed Deals

Enzo Maresca to Leicester City