In a significant transfer development, Manchester City has reached an agreement with Chelsea for the signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The deal is reported to be worth up to £30m, with an initial fee of £25m and potential add-ons of £5m.

Kovacic, a 29-year-old Croatia international, is expected to join the Premier League champions as they continue to strengthen their squad. Chelsea, under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, is actively working on reducing the size of their team.

The departure of Kovacic from Chelsea follows the imminent exit of another midfielder, N'Golo Kante, who has agreed to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

Kovacic initially joined Chelsea on loan from Real Madrid in 2019 before signing a permanent five-year contract. He made 37 appearances for the Blues last season, playing a part in their Champions League triumph in 2021.

The arrival of Kovacic at Manchester City raises questions about the future of Ilkay Gundogan, whose contract is nearing expiration. The German midfielder's situation may be impacted by this transfer.

On the international stage, Kovacic has represented Croatia with distinction, earning 95 caps and featuring prominently as they secured a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup.