Manchester City open Enzo Maresca compensation talks with Chelsea
Manchester City are negotiating a compensation fee with Chelsea to appoint Enzo Maresca as the successor to departing manager Pep Guardiola.
The Premier League champions hope to reach an agreement this week to finalise the Italian’s return to the Etihad Stadium.
A proposed three-year contract is currently in the hands of lawyers representing both clubs.
Discussions are focusing on the timeline of the appointment and the composition of the new backroom staff.
Stamford Bridge exit details
The highly rated coach departed his role in West London in January, leaving three and a half years remaining on his previous contract.
Chelsea officials were reportedly informed last autumn that their manager was a primary target to eventually take the reins in Manchester.
He previously worked closely under Guardiola during the historic 2022-23 campaign when the club secured a famous treble.
Guardiola plans extended break
Meanwhile, the outgoing Catalan manager insists he has no immediate plans to step into international management following his departure.
Instead, the serial winner intends to take a prolonged sabbatical from football to spend time with his family.
I don’t have any absolute plan about my future. I stop to rest and go to recover the time that I missed with my kids.
I don’t think for one second about anything related to football for the next years. I need to rest, I need to reflect.
Pundit backs Etihad return
Former England midfielder Paul Merson believes the incoming boss is perfectly suited for the demanding role.
He’s going into Man City, he’s been there before, he’s worked in the Premier League before. He knows some of the players at City. I think he ticks every box.
Paul Merson
However, Merson warned that the new coaching setup will face fierce competition in the transfer market to rebuild the squad.