Manchester City are closing in on a deal to appoint Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor, with lawyers from both City and Chelsea locked in compensation negotiations. The talks centre on Maresca's departure from Chelsea in January, when he left with three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract.
Maresca first informed Chelsea's hierarchy last autumn that he had entered discussions with City about replacing Guardiola. He was dismissed by Chelsea on New Year's Day after a home draw with Bournemouth left the club with just one win from seven Premier League matches.
City are confident a deal can be concluded, with ongoing talks focusing on the timing of his appointment, his coaching staff and other details. Maresca previously served as Guardiola's assistant during City's treble-winning 2022-23 season.
If appointed, Maresca will arrive as a Europa Conference League and World Club Cup winner. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson told Sky Sports: "I liked him at Chelsea. He's going into Man City, he's been there before, he knows some of the players. I think he ticks every box."
