After ten years and 20 major trophies won, Guardiola has stepped down at the Etihad Stadium, with City chiefs now planning for life after their iconic Spanish coach.
Maresca has been mooted as a long-term successor to Guardiola after serving as his assistant during City's 2022/23 season before taking the top job at Leicester City.
The Italian led the Foxes to instant promotion at the end of 2023/24, but then immediately left to join Chelsea on a five-year deal in June 2024, with Todd Boehly paying out £8M in compensation to sever his contract at the King Power Stadium.
Despite winning the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup as Blues boss, his fractured relationship with the owners at Stamford Bridge derailed at the start of 2026 and he was boldly sacked.
With Maresca's previous contract running until June 2029, Chelsea are due compensation, which the club have reportedly quoted as £10M to facilitate a move back to Manchester.
After initially appointing Liam Rosenior as Maresca's replacement, Chelsea have now turned a fresh page with Xabi Alonso in charge, but Boehly is determined to secure a solid financial settlement to draw a line under Maresca's tenure.