Manchester City and Chelsea continue talks over Maresca appointment in 2026

Manchester City and Chelsea remain in advanced negotiations over compensation for Enzo Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola.

City's managerial search Manchester City and Chelsea remain engaged in ongoing discussions regarding the potential appointment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor. Guardiola publicly announced on 22 May that he would conclude his tenure at City after a decade marked by multiple trophies. Maresca was promptly highlighted as the primary candidate to assume the managerial role. Negotiations between the two clubs have progressed significantly, with senior representatives from both sides focusing on finalizing a compensation agreement for Maresca. ## Maresca's Chelsea background The 46-year-old Maresca secured victories in the Club World Cup and Conference League during his tenure at Chelsea but departed Stamford Bridge in January. He is eager to join Manchester City following a brief six-month period away from his previous club. Chelsea maintain that they are entitled to compensation due to Maresca's early departure, as his contract was valid until 2029. The London-based club has explored potential legal avenues and expects a compensation package to be arranged, though the exact amount and timing remain uncertain. ## Maresca's City ties and Leicester stint Maresca served as an assistant to Guardiola during City's historic Treble-winning 2022-23 season and contributed significantly to the club's academy before transitioning to the first team. He departed Manchester City in 2023 to take charge of Leicester, leading them to promotion to the Premier League in his single season in charge. His time at Leicester was brief but successful, culminating in the club's return to England's top flight. ## Chelsea's compensation challenge Complications in the compensation talks have arisen due to Chelsea's awareness of City's interest in Maresca as early as October and December. Reports suggest Chelsea were also informed of Maresca's complaints regarding the club's transfer strategy during his final months in charge. The breakdown in relations extended beyond transfers, encompassing disputes over medical staff and player selections. Despite these tensions, Chelsea's leadership acknowledged Maresca's positive impact on players and his popularity within the dressing room. ## Chelsea's post-Maresca struggles Chelsea officials attribute the club's subsequent decline in form and failure to secure European qualification to the instability following Maresca's departure. Maresca had briefly considered extending his contract earlier in the season amid reported interest from Juventus in Serie A. His relationship with ownership deteriorated over multiple issues, yet he retained strong support from both players and coaching staff. ## Anderson transfer saga Manchester City recently had an initial bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest. The 23-year-old England international ranks as the club's top midfield target following Bernardo Silva's exit. Reports indicate City are preparing to submit a revised offer, as they remain determined to meet the player's valuation. Forest's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, is known for his tough negotiating stance and is reportedly seeking an amount exceeding the £105 million Arsenal paid for Declan Rice from West Ham in 2023. ## Anderson's World Cup considerations Anderson is currently participating in the World Cup, but England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that squad members will be permitted to finalize transfer agreements provided it does not interfere with the team's preparations. Previous reports suggested Anderson favors a move to City over Manchester United. The player's potential transfer is one of several high-profile deals being closely monitored during the tournament.