Manchester City are looking to bolster their squad for next season and have identified two Chelsea players to help them improve their squad.
Manchester City, the reigning English Premier League champions, have already started their preparations for the upcoming summer transfer window. The club’s hierarchy has reportedly identified two players from Chelsea, the current UEFA Champions League holders, as their prime targets to bolster their squad even further.
In midfield, Manchester City are reportedly keen on signing Croatian international Mateo Kovacic, whose contract with Chelsea is set to expire in the summer of 2024. The 28-year-old midfielder has been an integral part of Thomas Tuchel’s setup at Stamford Bridge and his potential availability in the transfer market is sure to attract interest from a host of top clubs.
Furthermore, with just one year left on his contract, Kovacic could be available at a relatively cheaper price, especially given Chelsea’s need to balance their books and adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations after a heavy spending spree in the past two transfer windows.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are also said to be considering a move for Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell. According to reports from Football Insider, City had attempted to sign Chilwell in 2020, prior to his move to Chelsea, but the deal never materialized.
However, with the England international struggling for fitness this season after suffering a long-term hamstring injury, City may be able to secure his services for a relatively cheaper fee. Chilwell’s current contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2025, which means City would have to offer a significant sum to prise him away from Chelsea. The former Leicester City defender joined Chelsea for a reported fee of £50 million in 2020 and went on to win the UEFA Champions League in his debut season.
Manchester City’s interest in the Chelsea duo underlines the club’s ambitions to maintain their position as one of the top teams in Europe. With Pep Guardiola’s side looking to defend their Premier League title and challenge for the Champions League next season, the addition of Kovacic and Chilwell would add significant depth and quality to an already star-studded squad.