Word stemming from the English media on Friday evening suggests that a surprise deal could be on the cards between Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City this summer.
The agreement in question would see a long-time member of the midfield ranks at Stamford Bridge take his talents to Manchester.
The Blues star in question? Mateo Kovacic.
As per a report from Football Insider, City are ‘ready to turn their full attention to signing Kovacic’ with a view to next season.
This comes with first-choice midfield target Jude Bellingham understood to be edging towards linking up with La Liga giants Real Madrid, and Pep Guardiola a ‘big fan’ of Kovacic’s talents.
Mateo Kovacic pictured in action during the match between Morocco and Croatia, in Group F of the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Al Khor, State of Qatar on Wednesday, 23 November 2022. BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR (Alamy Stock Photo)
Not only that, but the powers that be at Chelsea are not expected to stand in the Croat’s way, should a bid of between £30 and 40 million be forthcoming for his signature.
A move to The Etihad over the coming months is therefore looking an increasingly realistic possibility, with Pep Guardiola keen to add two fresh bodies to his engine room ranks.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE! 🚨 – Chelsea will accept a £40m bid from Manchester City for Mateo Kovacic. ✅
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) May 11, 2023