In a development that has sent ripples through the football world, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Enzo Maresca is considered "the only candidate" to take over the reins at Manchester City should Pep Guardiola depart at the end of the season. The Italian tactician, who previously served as Guardiola's assistant during City's historic Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, is reportedly waiting in the wings for a decision from the Catalan boss.

Maresca's stock has risen dramatically since his time at the Etihad. After a brief stint at Parma, he took charge at Chelsea, where he delivered silverware in the form of the Conference League and Club World Cup. However, his tenure at Stamford Bridge came to an abrupt end on January 1, 2026, following disagreements with the Blues' hierarchy. Now, with Guardiola's contract ticking down and uncertainty surrounding his future beyond this summer, the 44-year-old former Juventus midfielder finds himself in pole position for one of the most coveted jobs in world football.

"What matters, regardless of the club, is being ready," Maresca told Sky Sport Italia in a recent interview. "There are only a few weeks left until the end of the season, then we'll see what happens."

The timing couldn't be more intriguing. Guardiola, who has transformed City into a domestic and European powerhouse, has just one year left on his current deal. While nothing is set in stone, the Spaniard's potential departure would leave a massive void—one that Maresca, with his deep understanding of City's philosophy from his time as both a youth academy coach (2020-21) and assistant manager, seems uniquely qualified to fill.

For now, the football world watches and waits. Will Guardiola stay and continue his dynasty, or will Maresca get his chance to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight at the Etihad? One thing's for certain: the next few weeks could reshape the Premier League landscape for years to come.