Chelsea midfielder close to joining Premier League rival

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester City this summer.

The Croatian has a year left on his Blues contract and he has already made the decision to leave the club.

The midfielder has agreed personal terms with City and it is now claimed that a deal may not be far away.

The Blues were initially aiming for €40m, but they are now likely to sell him for a cut-price fee of €25m.

Kovacic won't be the first midfielder heading for the Chelsea exit door. A number of his teammates could follow.

Mason Mount is reportedly close to signing for Manchester United while Ruben Loftus-Cheek could leave too.

Meanwhile, N'Golo Kante is expected to move to Saudi Arabia once his Blues deal expires during the summer.

Chelsea are desperate for funds before June 30 to balance their books, and they could accept knockdown prices for players.

The likes of Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy are expected to leave before the month ends.