Maresca in Advanced Talks with Manchester City to Succeed Guardiola This Summer

Manchester City's commanding 1-0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday evening has propelled them to the summit of the Premier League, level on points with Arsenal but ahead on goal difference with five matches remaining. Yet while the Citizens continue their title push, speculation intensifies over the future of their manager.

Pep Guardiola's departure from the Etihad appears increasingly likely come summer, despite holding a further year on his contract. The Catalan has been the subject of persistent rumours throughout the campaign, but a remarkable turnaround in form has left City in genuine contention for an unprecedented Treble.

They've already secured the Carabao Cup following their March triumph over Arsenal at Wembley, and now harbour realistic ambitions of claiming both the Premier League and FA Cup—they face Southampton in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Should City complete the clean sweep, it would provide Guardiola with the perfect exit point. And according to reporting from talkSPORT's Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, there is now "a growing expectation" the manager will indeed step aside.

The pair have revealed that Enzo Maresca, recently departed from Chelsea, is "already in talks" with City regarding the vacant position. Maresca has emerged as the clear frontrunner, with "several well-placed sources" indicating that high-level discussions between the Italian and the club have commenced.

Jacobs noted on X that while Maresca's exit terms from Stamford Bridge could require compensation to Chelsea, the matter remains "up for legal interpretation from both sides." Crucially, Chelsea cannot block or delay Maresca beginning work elsewhere, and any prospective employer need not pay the club directly or await resolution of his existing contractual obligations.

Maresca is understood to be optimistic about securing employment this summer, with a return to City emerging as a probable destination should Guardiola decide to conclude his trophy-laden tenure.

However, an alternative pathway has surfaced. Italian newspaper Gazzetta Dello Sport suggests Guardiola could entertain the Italy national team position, indicating he "will be happy to listen" to their proposal. The role represents "a gamble that attracts him," particularly given his stated intention to "slow down" once departing Manchester City. A national team appointment could well fit that bill.