Man City plotting sensational move for Chelsea midfielder but remain in Bellingham pursuit

Manchester City could find themselves seven points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal by the time they next play in the competition. 

The reigning champions currently sit second, four points behind The Gunners, although Mikel Arteta’s side can extend their lead when they face struggling Southampton on Friday evening.

City, meanwhile, aren’t in league action this weekend as they face Championship high-flyers Sheffield United in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Pep Guardiola’s side remain in contention to complete the treble this season but, regardless of their success, it appears that they have plans to bolster their squad this summer.

According to GiveMeSport, City are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer.

It is claimed that the reigning Premier League champions are eyeing a move for the Croatia international this summer, with the player’s Stamford Bridge future still uncertain.

Kovacic is a target for Manchester City this summer

Kovacic, 28, has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the past few seasons but is set to be out of contract next summer.

The Blues are yet to persuade the Croat to sign an extension, though, which has prompted interest from City.

Since joining Chelsea from Spanish side Real Madrid, initially on loan, in 2018, Kovacic has made 217 appearances for the London side across all competitions.

The Blues signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January, though, and now have a surplus of central midfielders in their squad, which could prompt owner Todd Boehly to sell Kovacic rather than losing him for free next summer.

Despite their interest in Kovacic, the report claims that City remain hopeful of signing England international Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.

The former Birmingham City man is set to be the subject of significant interest from some of Europe’s top clubs this summer, and City are among those set to battle it out for the player’s signature.