9 June 2026·By Paul Lindisfarne
Manchester City and Chelsea remain in dispute over the compensation package owed for Enzo Maresca, who left Stamford Bridge just six months ago and is the leading candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola as City's manager.
[_BBC Sport_](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cql1v2ped53o) confirmed that talks between senior figures at both clubs are at an advanced stage but have been complicated by the circumstances of Maresca's departure from Chelsea in January and the breakdown of his relationship with the club's ownership in the months before.
Maresca, 46, won the Club World Cup and the Conference League during his time at Stamford Bridge but left with his contract — which ran until 2029 — terminated by mutual agreement following a prolonged deterioration in relations.
Chelsea sources revealed that the hierarchy had become aware of Manchester City's interest as early as October and December of last season, a timeline that has added to the complexity of determining what compensation is owed.
The issues between Maresca and Chelsea were multiple. Sources at the club cited disagreements over transfer policy, medical staff and team selections. Despite the tension, Chelsea's leadership respected much of his work with the playing group and he remained popular with the majority of the dressing room.
The club believes the upheaval following his departure played a significant role in their subsequent drop in form and failure to qualify for Europe.
Maresca was an assistant to Guardiola during City's Treble-winning 2022-23 season and had previously worked in the club's academy. He left in 2023 to manage Leicester City — winning the Championship and promotion in his only season — before Chelsea appointed him in the summer of 2024.
City are not expected to confirm Maresca's appointment until the compensation issue is resolved. Chelsea are exploring their legal options and are clear that a package must be paid.