Manchester City are close to reaching a financial settlement with Chelsea that would clear the way for Enzo Maresca to become their new manager, according to a fresh update from The Guardian.
The report says Chelsea are seeking compensation because they believe Maresca breached his Stamford Bridge contract by speaking to City while still in post last season. Chelsea are said to have considered reporting City to the Premier League over an alleged illegal approach, but negotiations between the clubs are continuing instead.
City timeline now hinges on compensation
The likely settlement is reported to be worth more than £10m, with both clubs still working through the finer details. That figure would be significant, but it may also offer City the quickest route to resolving the managerial picture before pre-season preparations intensify.
Maresca is described as eager to start work as soon as possible, while City are not due back for pre-season training until the middle of next month because of their heavy World Cup representation. The report adds that Chelsea and City both declined to comment.
For City supporters, the key point is simple: this now looks less like a question of managerial preference and more like a compensation negotiation. If the clubs land an agreement, Maresca’s path to the Etihad could open quickly.
