Overview
- Multiple outlets report Manchester City and Chelsea are nearing a financial settlement believed to exceed £10 million that would allow City to appoint Enzo Maresca.
- Chelsea say they have evidence that Maresca breached his contract and that City made an illegal approach, but sources say the club prefers a pragmatic payout rather than a formal Premier League complaint.
- The delay is driven by the club-to-club compensation talks rather than Maresca’s personal terms, which are widely reported to have been agreed in principle.
- Maresca is already working with Manchester City staff, including director of football Hugo Viana, on transfer targets and preseason planning while the settlement is finalised.
- Maresca’s time as Guardiola’s assistant and his recent trophy wins make him a logical cultural and tactical successor, and a swift resolution would preserve boardroom relations and allow an orderly handover.