Manchester City have formally approached Pep Guardiola to determine whether he intends to honour his contract or depart at the end of the current season, according to reports. The Catalan manager is in his tenth year at the Etihad, but speculation persists that this campaign could be his last.
Following City's Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal, senior club figures attempted to gauge Guardiola's plans, as per TalkSPORT. Even sporting director Hugo Viana remains uncertain whether the 55-year-old will stay beyond this season. The club had hoped for a private confirmation during the international break to prepare for all scenarios, including the need for a new manager.
Guardiola has always been afforded the autonomy to decide his future, and City maintain contingency plans should he leave a year before his contract expires. Several summer transfer targets, including Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, are reportedly keen to know Guardiola's status before committing, though there is no indication players would reject City's approaches if he departs.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant, has been linked with the role. Maresca admitted holding talks with City figures about a future position. Guardiola has won 19 trophies at City, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, and is currently rebuilding his squad with recent additions such as Marc Guehi, Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders.
City trail league leaders Arsenal by nine points with a game in hand. They recently defeated the Gunners and face them again later this month, potentially reducing the gap at the top.
