Manchester City are closing in on confirming Enzo Maresca as their new manager, with an announcement expected before the end of the month.
The Italian was identified as the club’s number-one choice to succeed Pep Guardiola following his departure at the end of last season. A three-year contract was agreed in principle back in May, but Maresca’s unveiling was held up by a compensation dispute with Chelsea.
The Blues had demanded upwards of £10 million and reportedly threatened to file a complaint to the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach. That situation has now been defused. Chelsea sources confirmed over the weekend that they had dropped their litigation threats in favour of finalising a financial settlement.
Italian media reported on Monday that an agreement had been reached between the two clubs, with a settlement struck around the €20 million mark.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “I think officials from the clubs are working hard to agree a suitable package. And I think once that’s finalised, you’ll see this move for Maresca confirmed.
“It’s just the finer details I think that need to be sorted as well in that respect. I’d expect Manchester City will be keen to get this sealed and done as soon as possible, and I’m sure they’ll be looking to have it done before the end of the month, before everybody returns for pre-season in July.”
O’Rourke added that there are “no worries from the City side” and that they still feel the deal can be completed quickly.
What comes next for Maresca
Maresca’s work will officially begin with pre-season training, though he will have a limited squad to work with given the number of City players currently at the World Cup in North America.
On-field action starts in early August with a three-game tour of Asia. City will face Inter Milan in Hong Kong, followed by matches against K-League All Stars and Atletico Madrid in Seoul, South Korea.
The first competitive fixture of the season is the Community Shield against Arsenal in Cardiff, before the Premier League campaign opens at home to Bournemouth on Sunday 23 August.