Manchester City have submitted a £25m bid to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to a report.
The 29-year-old has just a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge and has admitted that he is likely to leave the Blues this summer.
Chelsea are thought to be open to parting ways with Kovacic as they are aware of the need to balance their books and trim a bloated first-team squad.
Man City were granted permission by Chelsea to speak with Kovacic earlier this month and the midfielder has since agreed personal terms over a move to the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens have since stepped up their pursuit of the Croatia international, and The Athletic reports that they have tabled a written bid worth £25m.
© Reuters
Previous reports have indicated that Chelsea are looking to receive a fee closer to £35m, but both clubs are keen to find a solution as the midfielder has made it clear that he wants to join the treble winners.
Man City are hopeful of sealing a deal before the end of this month for Kovacic, who represented Croatia in the UEFA Nations League final loss to Spain on Sunday.
Manager Pep Guardiola is said to have been an admirer of Kovacic since his time at Spanish giants Real Madrid and is keen to get the deal over the line.
Kovacic spent three seasons in the Real Madrid first team between 2015 and 2018 and won a total of six trophies including three successive Champions Leagues and one La Liga title.
The midfielder initially joined Chelsea on loan from Los Blancos in the summer of 2018 before making his move permanent a year later, and he has since made a total of 221 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing 15 assists.
© Reuters
Kovacic, who started 27 of his 37 appearances for Chelsea in 2022-23, is yet to win a domestic honour in English football, but he has won the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Man City have identified Kovacic as a summer target at a time when club captain Ilkay Gundogan is facing an uncertain future at the Etihad.
The 32-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of this month when his contract expires, and the German – who has been linked with both Barcelona and Arsenal – recently reiterated that he is yet to make a final decision on his future.
Man City are thought to be hopeful of agreeing fresh terms with Gundogan, but they will not stand in his way if he decides to seek pastures new.
The same applies for playmaker Bernardo Silva, who is open to a fresh challenge after six seasons on the blue side of Manchester, with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia all interested in his services.
Oliver Thomas
