By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

12th May, 2023 | 6:00pm

Pete O'Rourke transfer column: Man City plot Mateo Kovacic swoop, Arsenal record-breaker set for exit, Declan Rice twist, Harry Kane latest

Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.

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MAN CITY

Finances are available for Pep Guardiola’s side to add two big-money midfield signings this summer.

With Ilkay Gundogan set to leave on a free transfer to Barcelona, the Premier League leaders are keen to bolster their midfield ranks.

I’m told Man City are very keen to sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea in the off-season.

Pep Guardiola is a big fan of his and sees the Croatia international as someone who could slot straight into his squad of technically-gifted stars.

City are ready to turn their full attention to getting a deal for Kovacic done as it looks like they are set to miss out on long-term target Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid.

He’s entering the final year of his contract at Chelsea, and sources tell me they could be forced to cash in for between £30-40million.

Man City also continue to monitor the situation of West Ham captain Declan Rice, despite the strong interest from Arsenal.

He will cost a fee in the region of £100million, and the Citizens are one of the only sides capable of making that financial commitment.

I’m told Rice could come back on the radar at Man City despite Arsenal being in the box seat to do a summer deal.

I’m told better things are expected of Kalvin Phillips in the 2023-24 campaign after his disappointing first season at the club.

The 27-year-old is keen to stay at Man City and prove himself despite strong interest from Aston Villa.

Guardiola’s side are also plotting a raid on Arsenal for record-breaking sensation Ethan Nwaneri.

Man City are growing in confidence that they can lure the 16-year-old away – who became the youngest-ever Premier League player when he featured against Brentford last year.

Chelsea have also been keeping tabs on his situation.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN CITY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

ARSENAL

Reiss Nelson has rejected the Gunners’ first contract offer, with his current deal set to expire next month.

He has been on the fringes of the Arsenal side this season and I’m told he wants to play more regularly at this stage of his career.

The Londoners will come back with a new offer but it’s possible the winger will want to kickstart his career elsewhere with new wide men expected to come in and bolster the squad this summer.

Arsenal value Nelson’s versatility and homegrown status, sources tell me.

Meanwhile, the Gunners remain confident of agreeing new terms with William Saliba and Bukayo Saka.

The duo are currently out of contract in June 2024, but I’m told the club are hopeful of following up Gabriel Martinelli’s extension by tying down two more key men.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE ARSENAL NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

MAN UNITED

The Red Devils are set to pull the plug on their pursuit of Napoli star Victor Osimhen.

They are big admirers of the Nigeria international as they search for a new number nine, but his £100million+ price tag is seen as too rich for the Old Trafford club.

Sources tell me Man United chiefs are concerned about his lack of Premier League experience and injury record.

Chelsea will also have to put a deal for Osimhen on the backburner despite his willingness to come to England, with their summer focus on clearing the decks at Stamford Bridge.

Harry Kane remains at the top of the list for Man United.

They see him as the difference-maker capable of catapulting them into contention for the Premier League title next season.

I’m told it won’t be an easy deal to do for the Red Devils, but the England captain is nonetheless the number one priority and top target as we approach the summer transfer window.

Lautaro Martinez is also on the radar for Erik ten Hag’s side, with a potential deal seen as easier to complete than a swoop for Osimhen.

I’m told the World Cup winner would command a smaller transfer fee and Inter Milan could be motivated to sell if they miss out on Champions League qualification for the 2023-24 campaign.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

ASTON VILLA

I’m told there is a good possibility of long-term Villa target Moussa Dembele coming to the Premier League for free this summer.

His contract at Lyon is set to expire next month, making him one of the most attractive free agents on the market following his goalscoring exploits across Europe.

Sources tell me the 26-year-old ex-Fulham star will give serious thought to a Premier League return, with Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Leeds all interested.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE ASTON VILLA NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

BOURNEMOUTH

Tireless midfielder Jefferson Lerma has rejected several offers to extend his contract on the south coast, I’m told.

The Cherries could return with one last bumper offer now Premier League survival is all but confirmed.

Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham have expressed an interest in the Colombia international, who has his sights set on a move away from Bournemouth in the off-season.

Sources tell me Lerma has options in Spain, Italy and Germany – and a move abroad for the 28-year-old is most likely.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE BOURNEMOUTH NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS