‘Almost completed’ — Man City set to sign Chelsea star as Guardiola pounces on Pochettino firesale

Manchester City are ‘really close’ to reaching an agreement on personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.

The Croatia international has been a key player for the Blues over the years. However, with just one year remaining on his contract, Mauricio Pochettino is set to sell him this summer.

Now, Man City are poised to swoop in for Kovacic, with Pep Guardiola believed to be a big admirer of the midfielder.

This is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who revealed on Wednesday that the Cityzens had opened ‘concrete talks’ to sign the Chelsea star.

The talks must have progressed well, as Kovacic is now on the verge of reaching an agreement with Man City.

On Twitter, Romano said: “More on Mateo Kovacic and Manchester City news revealed yesterday.

“Been told the agreement on the personal terms between Kovacic and City is really close, almost completed.

“Man City and Chelsea will be in direct contact to discuss the fee. Kovacic will leave.”

New Chelsea manager Pochettino is expected to offload a huge chunk of his squad this summer, with Kovacic expected to be one of the first out of the door.

Indeed, the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic and several others look destined to depart Stamford Bridge.

However, Kovacic could prove to be a valuable signing for Man City, if the deal goes through as expected.

Since signing for Chelsea from Real Madrid back in 2019, the midfielder has made 221 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals and making 15 assists.

In an unbelievably successful career, the 29-year-old has won 13 major trophies during his time with Madrid and Chelsea, including four Champions Leagues.

Also, despite struggling for consistent minutes with the Blues this season, Kovacic is still argaubly one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the Premier League.

With Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan being linked with a departure from the Etihad, Kovacic could prove to be an ideal addition.

Romano’s report does not state any potential transfer fee for Kovacic. Although, the Croatian should be relatively cheap given he only has one year remaining on his contract.

With personal terms almost agreed between Kovacic and Man City, Guardiola and co are now set to make contact with Chelsea over signing the midfielder.

Indeed, barring any late twists, Kovacic is set to be playing at the Etihad next season.

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