Chelsea have given permission to Manchester City to open negotiations with Mateo Kovacic over a move to the Etihad.
Kovacic is set to form part of a significant clear out at Chelsea this summer and Manchester City are interested in a deal to sign the midfielder, who has just over a year to run on his current contract.
The Croatia international has not been offered a new deal at Chelsea and is open to an exit in search of a new challenge, with the Guardian reporting that there is an expectation that Kovacic will sign for the Premier League champions.
The 29-year-old signed for Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2018 and has since made 221 appearances in all competitions.
Pep Guardiola wants to add depth to his midfield options with Ilkay Gundogan out of contract this summer and doubts surrounding the future of Bernardo Silva. Kalvin Phillips has also struggled since his move to the club from Leeds last summer.
Kovacic would add an experienced option to Guardiola’s squad and Chelsea are open to his departure as the west Londoners rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino. The Blues require sales this summer following a record-breaking spend of around £600m on new signings in 2022/23.
Chelsea are also interested in a deal to sign Manuel Ugarte from Sporting Lisbon, while the club remain in negotiations with N’Golo Kante over a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
