Enzo Maresca set to raid Chelsea at Man City as talks held with 'desired' transfer target

Enzo Maresca is set to raid his former club Chelsea for his first signing at Manchester City when he replaces Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium.

Maresca, a former assistant of Guardiola's, is in the frame to succeed his mentor after he decided to call time on his glittering 10-year spell at City.

The Italian, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in January, is said to have verbally agreed to return to City for a third spell but one where he will be in the hotseat.

Though he has not been officially announced, The Athletic have reported that Maresca has already been involved in discussions regarding City's transfer plans - collaborating with director of football Hugo Viana behind the scenes.

According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sport, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is one of City's "desired transfer targets" and is "strongly wanted" by Maresca, his former boss.

It's said that talks have already taken place and that the pair share a "a top and very trusting relationship" after winning the Club World Cup and Conference League alongside one another.

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The Argentine, who joined Chelsea for a then-club-record £105 million in 2023, has scored 15 goals and registered seven assists in 53 appearances for the Blues in the 2025/26 campaign.

Maresca and Fernandez are said to have a "trusting" relationship. Image: Getty

He is also a top target for Real Madrid, whose interest has been well-documented to the point that Fernandez spoke about it publicly and was punished with a two-game suspension from Chelsea.

According to Miguel Delaney from The Independent, Real are expected to launch a summer move to Fernandez - who may well play his final game for Chelsea against Sunderland on Sunday.

But City are also keen on Fernandez, identifying as a potential replacement for departing captain Bernardo Silva.

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Who else are City interested in signing in?

A report from the i Paper claims that City are expected to have around £200 million to spend in their first post-Guardiola transfer window.

Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson is a top target and negotiations are believed to be at an advanced stage, while City are also admirers of two other Premier League talents in Brentford's Michael Kayode and Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth.

In terms of outgoings, both Silva and John Stones are confirmed to be leaving on a free transfer - while there are rumours about Real Madrid being interested in both Rodri and Josko Gvardiol.

Midfielder Nico Gonzalez is set to move on after being left out of City's squad for three consecutive games after scoring the winner in the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton, while misfiring winger Savinho is said to be available for around €50 million.