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Senior representatives from Manchester City and Chelsea are reportedly nearing an agreement over the compensation package for Enzo Maresca, though the exact amount and timeline for resolution remain uncertain.

The two Premier League clubs have been engaged in ongoing negotiations since Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge on New Year’s Day. The Italian coach left with three and a half years still remaining on his contract but did not seek any severance payment upon his resignation.

Throughout the process, Chelsea have insisted on securing a substantial fee, with legal teams from both clubs having been involved in recent weeks to finalise the terms of compensation.

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak recently urged fans to remain patient, assuring that the club would reveal its new manager “very soon” and emphasising that the appointment process had been “thoughtful and structured” to ensure the right candidate was chosen.

Maresca, who has received the personal endorsement of Pep Guardiola, has been offered a three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. According to BBC Sport journalists Shamoon Hafez and Nizaar Kinsella, discussions between senior figures from both clubs have now reached an advanced stage, with progress being made toward a final settlement.

The latest developments indicate that Manchester City and Chelsea are closer than ever to resolving the dispute, with high-level executives now actively participating in talks instead of leaving the matter solely to their legal representatives.

Once both clubs sign off on the compensation terms, an official announcement confirming Maresca’s appointment as Manchester City’s new manager is expected to follow shortly thereafter.

City are keen to conclude the managerial appointment swiftly, especially with the summer transfer window already open and pre-season training scheduled to begin in July. Director of Football Hugo Viana and Maresca are understood to have already held preliminary discussions regarding transfer targets and squad strategy for the upcoming season.

The delay in formally unveiling Maresca has been an unwelcome distraction for City’s hierarchy, who had hoped for a smooth managerial transition following Pep Guardiola’s heartfelt farewell in May.

Reports have suggested that the compensation fee will not be minor, as Chelsea remain intent on securing a strong financial return given the length of Maresca’s remaining contract when he left the club.

The matter takes on additional significance with both Manchester City and Chelsea set to face each other in the FA Community Shield at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on August 16. A swift resolution would benefit both sides as they finalise preparations for the upcoming campaign.