Manchester City and Chelsea Continue Talks Over Enzo Maresca as Guardiola Successor

Posted : 08 June 2026

Manchester City and Chelsea are continuing negotiations over the appointment of Enzo Maresca as the successor to Pep Guardiola. Discussions between senior officials from both clubs have reached an advanced stage, with the focus now on agreeing a compensation package for the Italian coach.

Guardiola confirmed on 22 May that he would leave Manchester City after a highly successful decade in charge. Following that announcement, Maresca quickly emerged as the leading candidate to take over at the Etihad Stadium. The 46-year-old is eager to return to City, where he previously worked as one of Guardiola’s assistants during the club’s historic Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign.

Maresca left Chelsea in January despite having a contract that ran until 2029. During his spell at Stamford Bridge, he guided the club to victories in the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League. Chelsea believe they are entitled to compensation because of the terms surrounding his departure and are exploring legal avenues to ensure a settlement is reached. While both sides expect an agreement, the size of the compensation package and the timeline for its resolution remain uncertain.

Before his time at Chelsea, Maresca served an important role within Manchester City’s academy structure and later joined Guardiola’s first-team coaching staff. He also enjoyed a successful managerial stint at Leicester City, leading the club back to the Premier League in his only season in charge after leaving City in 2023.

One of the key factors delaying the appointment is the complicated relationship that developed between Maresca and Chelsea’s ownership during his final months at the club. Sources suggest the club became aware of Manchester City’s interest as early as October and December, adding further complexity to the ongoing negotiations.

Reports also indicate that Maresca had concerns about Chelsea’s transfer strategy, while disagreements over medical staff decisions and team selection issues contributed to growing tensions. Despite these challenges, Chelsea’s hierarchy reportedly valued his work with the squad, and he remained well-liked by many players in the dressing room.

Chelsea believe the instability surrounding his departure played a significant role in the club’s decline in form, which ultimately resulted in them missing out on European qualification. Earlier in the season, Maresca had also been willing to discuss a contract extension amid interest from Italian giants Juventus.

Meanwhile, Manchester City remain active in the transfer market. The club recently had an opening bid rejected by Nottingham Forest for midfielder Elliot Anderson. The England international has emerged as City's preferred midfield target following the departure of captain Bernardo Silva.

City are expected to return with an improved offer, with the club prepared to invest heavily to secure Anderson’s signature. Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly seeking a fee higher than the £105 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice in 2023, which could make Anderson the most expensive British player in history.

Anderson is currently involved in the World Cup with England, but national team manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that players will be permitted to complete transfer negotiations provided they do not disrupt tournament preparations. Sources indicate that Anderson currently favours a move to Manchester City despite interest from Manchester United.

Manchester City and Chelsea Continue Talks Over Enzo Maresca as Guardiola Successor

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