Chelsea are set to receive a significant financial settlement from Manchester City as they finalise the appointment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor. The Italian left Chelsea on New Year's Day after a dramatic falling out with the club's hierarchy, during which he won just one of seven league games in his final month.
According to reports, Chelsea believe they have evidence that Manchester City approached Maresca illegally and that the manager breached his contract by engaging in talks while still at Stamford Bridge. The Blues considered reporting City to the Premier League and threatening legal action, but are now negotiating a compensation package.
A settlement is close to being agreed, with Chelsea fighting for every penny. It is said that City will likely pay over £10 million in compensation, only £2 million more than what Chelsea paid Leicester City to sign Maresca in 2024.
Maresca's departure saw Chelsea slip from fifth to tenth under replacement Liam Rosenior, who lasted just 106 days. Chelsea have since appointed Xabi Alonso as Rosenior's successor, with his first game away to Fulham on August 24.
Maresca faces the daunting task of following Guardiola, who won 16 major trophies in a decade at City. His first match is expected to be against Arsenal in the Community Shield on August 16.
