Manchester City close to reaching agreement for Chelsea star

Spain lifted the Nations League trophy on Sunday after beating Croatia 5-4 on penalties in the final. 

In doing so, Luis de la Fuente’s side became just the second team, after France, to have won the World Cup, European Championships and Nations League.

For Croatia, though, it was disappointment once again and their wait for a first ever major trophy will go on.

Now, though, it appears that one of Croatia’s most important players could soon secure a move to a new club.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Premier League champions Manchester City are close to agreeing a deal with Chelsea for midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

The 29-year-old, who started for his country in Sunday’s final, has played a crucial role for the Blues in recent seasons and captained them on several occasions this term, but it appears almost certain that he will depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

Romano claims that personal terms have already been agreed between Kovacic and City, and that an agreement between the two clubs is getting closer.

Kovacic looks set to join Manchester City this summer

The Citizens have reportedly offered around £21 million for the Croat, but Chelsea are holding out for closer to £25 million.

Despite the small difference in valuations, Romano claims that negotiations are in the final stages, suggesting that a deal will be completed soon.

Kovacic joined Chelsea from Real Madrid back in 2019, initially on loan, before making the move permanent the following summer.

In total, he has made 221 appearances for the west London club, winning four trophies during that time.

The former Dinamo Zagreb man is one of several current Chelsea stars that look set to depart the club this summer, with owner Todd Boehly and new manager Mauricio Pochettino planning to overhaul their huge squad.

The likes of N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount are also expected to leave in the coming weeks, which would free up funds and space in the squad for more new arrivals.