Manchester City are negotiating compensation with Chelsea for Enzo Maresca, who departed the Blues in January with three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract. Both clubs have lawyers working on the deal, with City aiming to finalize an agreement this week for the Italian to succeed Pep Guardiola.

Maresca's proposed three-year contract at City is not yet complete. Talks focus on appointment timeline, backroom staff composition, and contractual details. The 44-year-old worked under Guardiola during the 2022/23 treble-winning campaign, giving him insider knowledge of the club's operations.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes Maresca 'ticks every box' for City, citing his Premier League experience and familiarity with the squad. However, Merson warns that City, along with Liverpool, Arsenal, and other top clubs, face challenges in the transfer market.

Guardiola recently reiterated his desire to step away from football temporarily, prioritizing family time over immediate future plans. He declined to rule out the England job eventually, but emphasized he needs rest and reflection before considering any next move.