Man City and Chelsea remain in talks over Maresca

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Man City and Chelsea remain in talks over MarescaImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Enzo Maresca was an assistant to Pep Guardiola during Manchester City's Treble-winning 2022-23 campaignByShamoon Hafez, Manchester City reporter and Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea reporterPublished19 minutes agoManchester City and Chelsea remain locked in negotiations about Enzo Maresca replacing Pep Guardiola. Guardiola announced on 22 May he would step down as City boss after a trophy laden decade in charge, and Maresca was quickly identified as the leading contender to be his replacement. Talks are at an advanced stage, with senior figures at both clubs discussing a compensation package for Maresca.

The 46-year-old won the Club World Cup and Conference League during his time at Stamford Bridge but left in January and is keen to take the City job. Chelsea feel they are due compensation under the terms of Maresca's departure as he was contracted to the club until 2029 and left just six months ago. The London club have been exploring their legal options and expect a compensation package to be paid, though it remains unclear both how much that might be, or when it will be resolved.

The Details

Maresca was an assistant to Guardiola during City's Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign and played a key role in the club's academy prior to joining the first team. The former West Brom and Juventus midfielder left City in 2023 to manage Leicester, whom he guided to promotion to the Premier League in his only season. Man City set to replace Guardiola with Maresca Published19 MayWhat is holding up the appointment?

Maresca's final six months at Chelsea were marked by a fractured relationship with the club's ownership. Compensation negotiations have been made more complex as Chelsea became aware of City's potential interest early in October and December. Chelsea sources also claim they were aware of complaints from Maresca about the transfer policy at Stamford Bridge.

It is not known whether this played any role in Maresca's departure, but the relationship continued to further deteriorate over a number of issues, including medical staff and team selections. Despite the tension, Chelsea sources say the hierarchy still respected much of Maresca's work with the players and he remained popular with the majority of the dressing room. The club feel the upheaval played a major role in the club's drop in form after his exit, with them not ending up qualifying for Europe.

What Experts Say

Maresca had been open to renewing his contract early in the season amid interest from Serie A side Juventus. What's the latest on Anderson? City last week had an opening bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest.

The 23-year-old England international tops the club's list of midfield targets following the departure of captain Bernardo Silva, and sources say they are expected to make another bid.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.