An agreement is in place for Enzo Maresca to replace Pep Guardiola as the new manager of Manchester City, GIVEMESPORT understands.
Maresca left Chelsea at the beginning of January and has been the main name in the frame to replace Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium for some time.
Manchester City have, as yet, declined to comment, but it was widely reported on Monday night that Guardiola will leave City at the end of the season, despite his persistent claims that he still had one year left on his contract with the club.
Maresca spent one year learning under Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola
Succession planning for Guardiola's departure has been taking place for weeks, if not months, and Maresca - who worked under Guardiola as his assistant for one year in 2022/23 before taking up his first managerial role with Leicester City - has agreed a deal to take over at the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.
After Maresca left Chelsea he spent most of his time in London as well as recharging his batteries on a family break in the Maldives.
He was approached by Premier League, La Liga and Serie A sides, with Juventus, along with Man City contacting him when he was still at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca raised the possibility of signing a new Chelsea in the first half of the season before eventually resigning on New Year's Eve.
GMS understands Maresca is well-prepared to return to work. He has spent his time out of the game studying football trends and taken learnings from several sports figures, including volleyball coach Julio Velasco.
Maresca was attracted by Manchester City due to synergy with the project and those in charge.
Manchester City are still gunning for a domestic treble
Man City midfielder Rodri
Man City midfielder Rodri
The former Chelsea boss will take over a club that has won the domestic cup double in Guardiola's last season, and still with an outside chance of making it a historic domestic treble.
City have two games left to play in the Premier League and must win them both to have any chance of lifting the trophy to end Guardiola's time at the club by making history.
They fell five points behind Arsenal at the top of the table after the Gunners' nervy 1-0 win over already relegated Burnley on Monday night.
City play Bournemouth on Tuesday - a day after the news of Guardiola's departure - before a home game with Aston Villa on the final day of the season, which is set to be an emotional one for the Spaniard and the supporters.
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