Chelsea and Manchester City set to conclude deal for Italian | OneFootball

Man City move for Maresca hinges on Chelsea compensation agreement

Settlement talks gather momentum

Manchester City are closing in on an agreement with Chelsea that would pave the way for Enzo Maresca to become the club’s next manager, with compensation negotiations now understood to be at an advanced stage.

According to reporting from The Guardian, discussions between the two Premier League clubs are progressing towards a financial settlement that could exceed £10 million. Such an agreement would resolve a complicated situation that has developed since Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge and his subsequent links with a return to the Etihad Stadium.

For Man City, the appointment represents an opportunity to bring back a coach who already knows the club’s structure and philosophy. Maresca previously worked within City’s coaching setup and played a significant role in the development of the club’s tactical framework before embarking on managerial opportunities elsewhere.

The situation is not straightforward, however. Chelsea believe they are entitled to substantial compensation and have taken a firm stance during negotiations. The London club feel that the circumstances surrounding Maresca’s departure justify a sizeable payment before any move can be finalised.

With pre-season preparations approaching, all parties are keen to reach a resolution that allows planning for the 2026-27 campaign to move forward without further uncertainty.

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Chelsea stand firm on contract dispute

A major factor in the ongoing negotiations is Chelsea’s belief that Maresca breached contractual obligations while still employed by the club.

The report states that Chelsea “believe they have evidence the Italian breached his contract at Stamford Bridge by talking to the club’s Premier League rivals when he was still their manager last season.”

It has previously been reported that Maresca informed Chelsea he had been approached by both Man City and Napoli during the turbulent period that eventually led to his resignation on New Year’s Day. Significantly, that claim has never been publicly challenged.

Chelsea’s position is strengthened by the disruption caused by Maresca’s departure. After a campaign that ended with a 10th-place finish and no European qualification, the club view his exit as a contributing factor to an unstable season.

Despite the legal and contractual complexities involved, there remains a willingness on both sides to reach a mutually acceptable compromise. Relationships between Chelsea and Man City remain positive, which has helped keep negotiations constructive rather than confrontational.

Financial package likely to exceed £10m

The compensation figure being discussed reflects the increasing financial reality of elite-level managerial appointments.

Chelsea themselves paid Leicester City £8 million to secure Maresca’s services two years ago. More recently, they invested heavily again when appointing Liam Rosenior from Strasbourg as his successor.

Against that backdrop, a settlement worth more than £10 million appears consistent with the modern managerial market. Clubs increasingly view head coaches as valuable assets, and compensation packages have become a standard part of high-profile appointments.

Reports suggest Chelsea considered multiple options to protect their position. These included potentially reporting Man City to the Premier League for an alleged illegal approach and exploring a separate legal claim against Maresca himself.

However, neither avenue appears likely if an agreement is reached. The preference from all involved is to conclude negotiations through a financial settlement rather than a lengthy legal dispute.

Fresh chapter awaits at Etihad Stadium

For Maresca, the prospect of returning to Man City offers a chance to take charge of one of world football’s most successful clubs at a pivotal moment.

His reputation remains strong despite Chelsea’s difficult campaign. Widely regarded as one of the game’s most progressive tactical thinkers, he has continued to attract admiration from senior figures across European football.

The timing of the negotiations is also important. City do not return to pre-season training until next month due to the number of players involved at the World Cup, providing a short window to finalise outstanding issues.

Even so, there is a clear desire to complete the process swiftly. Maresca is understood to be eager to begin work, while City will want clarity before preparations for the new season intensify.

As things stand, a compensation package appears to be the final obstacle. If an agreement can be reached in the coming days, Maresca’s return to Man City could soon become one of the most significant managerial appointments of the summer.

Original source: Reporting from The Guardian by Matt Hughes indicated that Man City and Chelsea are close to reaching a financial settlement that would enable the appointment of Enzo Maresca, with compensation expected to exceed £10 million.