Manchester City agree personal terms with midfield target Mateo Kovacic

Manchester City have reached an agreement on personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, reports transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Earmarking the Croatian international as the top midfield target for the summer, the Premier League champions have been working around the clock on the deal and have now come up with a major breakthrough.

Chelsea have decided to sell the 2022 World Cup Bronze medalist as part of a massive clearout this summer in order to balance the books.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have also been registered with an interest in Kovacic, but the Cityzens are understandably in the pole position to sign him.

Following a struggling spell at Real Madrid, where he was deprived of regular game time, Kovacic has revived his career at Stamford Bridge since his move in 2018.

The 29-year-old has made more than 200 appearances for the Blues while also playing a pivotal role in the 2018/19 Europa League triumph and the 20/21 Champions League.

However, Kovacic has experienced a turbulent campaign with the Blues this term, with the west Londoners reaching new lows by going trophyless as well as finishing 12th in the Premier League.

Currently on international duty for the Nations League games, Kovacic recently commented on the speculation surrounding Man City, praising Pep Guardiola’s side as a champion team.

“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,” Kovacic said (h/t Manchester Evening News)

City are looking to find a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who is on the verge of leaving the Etihad Stadium, with his contract expiring at the end of the month.

The Sky Blues are planning to discuss the transfer fee with Chelsea after the Champions League final.

Kovavic is considered one of the best central midfielders in Europe, and Guardiola can make the most out of his prime years.