Manchester City's pursuit of Enzo Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola remains locked in negotiations with Chelsea — while the club also saw an opening bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest.
Guardiola announced on 22 May he would step down after a trophy-laden decade, and Maresca, his former assistant during City's Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, was quickly identified as the leading contender. Talks are at an advanced stage, with senior figures at both clubs discussing a compensation package for the 46-year-old, who left Chelsea in January despite being contracted until 2029.
“Man City remain in talks with Chelsea over Maresca while a bid for Elliot Anderson was rejected by Nottingham Forest.”
Chelsea feel they are due compensation under the terms of his departure and have been exploring legal options. The negotiations have been complicated by Chelsea's awareness of City's potential interest as early as October and December. Sources at Chelsea also claim they were aware of Maresca's complaints about the club's transfer policy, and his relationship with the ownership fractured over issues including medical staff and team selections. Despite the tension, Chelsea sources say the hierarchy still respected much of his work with the players and he remained popular with the majority of the dressing room. The club believe the upheaval played a major role in their drop in form after his exit.
Maresca, who won the Club World Cup and Conference League during his time at Stamford Bridge, had been open to renewing his contract earlier in the season amid interest from Serie A side Juventus. He previously guided Leicester to Premier League promotion in his only season as manager.
Meanwhile, City have had an opening bid for Elliot Anderson rejected by Nottingham Forest. The 23-year-old England international is leaning towards a move to the Etihad Stadium over Manchester United, and there is a growing expectation he will leave the City Ground this summer. A potential fee could be a record for a British player, eclipsing the £105m Arsenal paid West Ham for Declan Rice in 2023.
Anderson enjoyed a stellar season and has been selected in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup. The player is currently preparing for the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico, but club-to-club talks can continue. Captain Bernardo Silva's exit means City are looking to bolster their midfield, and Anderson tops the list of targets. Newcastle's Sandro Tonali is another player understood to be highly rated, and Nico Gonzalez may depart if the right offer comes in. City are also targeting a young right-back to supplement Matheus Nunes.