Mateo Kovacic to Man City: Agreement ‘very close’, Man Utd and Bayern Munich interest and Chelsea’s position

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is reportedly edging towards a move to Manchester City. The Premier League champions are working on a deal to land the Croatia international as they look to further bolster their ranks ahead of next season.

According to reporter Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, the two clubs are in ‘direct contact’ over the move and that he ‘will leave’ Stamford Bridge at the end of this season. He also adds that personal terms between the player and Pep Guardiola’s side are ‘very close’ to being agreed.

Chelsea signed the 29-year-old from Real Madrid back in 2018 on an initial loan deal that was made permanent shortly after. He has since made 221 appearances for the London club in all competitions and has scored six goals.

The Austria-born man helped the Blues win the Champions League back in 2021 after they beat City in the final in Porto. He has also won the Europa League during his time at the club.

According to the Daily Mail, he also has other clubs interested in him right now too. Bayern Munich and Manchester United have been mentioned as two other potential suitors but a switch to the Etihad Stadium has emerged as his most likely transfer.

Prior to his switch to Chelsea, he spent three years at Real Madrid and played 109 times for the La Liga giants, finding the net three times. He has also been on the books of Dynamo Zagreb and Inter Milan in the past.

A new challenge at City seemingly awaits Kovacic next term and Chelsea will need to look for reinforcements should he end up making his expected exit. Mauricio Pochettino has some big decisions to make on the transfer front as the former Tottenham Hotspur man looks to put his own stamp on the squad.