Manchester City are now said to be in the final stages of sealing a transfer for a Chelsea star.
Having recently claimed a historic continental treble, the Citizens already look set to confirm their first signing for the new season.
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The Manchester club could lose two midfielders in this window, with captain Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva the subjects of heavy speculation linking them with moves to FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, among other teams.
With City having a reputation for allowing players to leave when they wish to do so regardless of how important their role is in the side, the EPL giants having seemingly prepared themselves for a reshuffle in midfield, having lined up a Chelsea star to reinforce their squad.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League winners and the Blues are now in the final stages of concluding a deal for Mateo Kovacic.
With the Croatia international said to have already agreed personal terms with the treble winners, the two clubs are now reportedly working towards agreeing a transfer fee, with the Premier League champions believed to have made an initial bid of €25 million (R497 million), which is short of Chelsea's €30 million (R596 million) asking price.
The Italian transfer expert also claims that while discussions are going accordingly, things could change if City decide to enter the race for England international Declan Rice, who is being courted by Arsenal as a priority target, although the Gunners' first bid for the player has reportedly been rejected by West Ham United.
Speaking on the rumours surrounding his future earlier this month, Kovacic refused to give much away.
"I have one more year with Chelsea, [last] season was very bad," the playmaker said, according to the Evening Standard.
"Everything is going towards the fact that after five good years I will change, but in football anything can happen."
Alluding to the links with the reigning EPL champions, the 29-year-old added: "Manchester City is a top team and deserves to be in the Champions League final. That's what I have to say. The summer is long, we'll see what happens.
"Chelsea is phenomenal for me. I love the city and the fans, they love me, I have wonderful memories of Chelsea. We'll see what happens."
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