UEFA Champions League finalists Manchester City have now reportedly agreed a deal with a certain Chelsea star ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
With new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino officially set to begin his new role on 1 July, several departures could be confirmed by the time he takes over.
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It seems the manager is already working in an unofficial capacity, though, as it was revealed soon after his arrival that he had no intention of signing loanee Joao Felix on a permanent deal after his six-month stint at Stamford Bridge.
Denis Zakaria suffered the same fate as he was allowed to return to his parent club Juventus after an injury-ridden short-term spell at Chelsea.
More exits have been mooted in the press, with Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and N'Golo Kante all tipped to leave the side ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
However, it now appears that another Blues midfielder is edging closer to joining a league rival.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Mateo Kovacic has now agreed personal terms with the 2022/23 Premier League champions after talks began in May.
The Croatia international is said to be keen to become a City player, and will now wait on Chelsea and the Citizens to agree a transfer fee for him after the UCL final on Saturday.
The west London outfit are understood to be prepared to sell the playmaker just five years after signing him permanently from Real Madrid, and speaking while on international duty with Croatia this week, Kovacic hinted at leaving Chelsea for good.
"Everything is going towards the fact that after five good years I will change, but in football anything can happen," the 29-year-old said, according to the Evening Standard.
"Right now, I'm focused on Croatia and the Nations League. Manchester City is a top team and deserves to be in the Champions League final. That's what I have to say.
"The summer is long; we'll see what happens.
"Chelsea is phenomenal for me. I love the city and the fans; they love me. I have wonderful memories of Chelsea.
"We'll see what happens."
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