Enzo Maresca could sign four Chelsea players when he replaces Pep Guardiola at Man City

Enzo Maresca looks set to become Manchester City's first new manager in a decade when he replaces Pep Guardiola and could take a number of Chelsea players to the Etihad Stadium

Pep Guardiola's exit from Manchester City looks set to happen this Sunday, with Enzo Maresca poised to take over in his place. And there are certain strings the former Chelsea chief may be able to pull at Stamford Bridge in taking certain talent from his old club this summer.

The Italian previously spent a year serving under Guardiola as one of his City assistants, having previously led City's youth to a league title back in 2021. That synergy isn't the only benefit Maresca's appointment would bring about, however, given his connections at other clubs.

Chelsea are one such outfit where he may have certain stars still loyal to their old boss, who could be open to a new project at the Etihad. And Mirror Football takes a look at which candidates could be realistically poached from west London this summer.

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Enzo Fernandez

A bitter blow to Chelsea fans but one that may be expected in some ways. Enzo Fernandez has been revered at Chelsea since breaking the British transfer record following his 2023 transfer from Benfica but has become fiercely linked with an exit this summer.

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The Argentinian has engineered this speculation himself after hinting in March that he may not be long for Stamford Bridge. At the time, Paris Saint-Germain were the most heavily rumoured admirers of his work, though a reunion with Maresca could make City the new frontrunners.

It was Maresca, after all, who made Fernandez his vice-captain not long after arriving at Chelsea. With Bernardo Silva leaving and City once again underlining their struggles at times without Rodri in the line-up this season, a versatile midfield recruit like Fernandez makes perfect sense, albeit one that's likely to cost more than £100million.

Levi Colwill

With John Stones heading for the Etihad exit after 10 years with City, a stern centre-back addition looks likely to be a priority. And Maresca can help in that sense given the tight bond he formed with Levi Colwill during his 18 months in west London.

Granted, City would be replacing one injury-prone defender with another who has had his share of fitness issues in recent years. That being said, Colwill only turned 23 earlier this year and has the clear potential to become a staple part of England's spine when at his best.

HIs signing would represent a major gamble given he missed effectively the entire 2025/26 season following a serious ACL injury. However, it's a risk Maresca may be willing to take given the close relationship he and the player formed at Stamford Bridge.

"Not just a top manager but a top person," he wrote on Instagram, the words emblazoned across a photo of him and Maresca sharing an embrace on the pitch. "Thank you for everything. It was a pleasure to work with you and create great memories."

Joao Pedro

One glance at the Premier League standings will tell you City aren't exactly lacking in attack. However, chasing an asset like Joao Pedro still makes a lot of sense given it hasn't sparkled as much as years gone by over the past two campaigns.

Not only is Pedro capable of shining up front, an area from which Erling Haaland won't be budged, but he's a keen progressor of the ball in other areas. Whether out wide or playing off a main frontman, the Brazilian makes gains almost anytime he's in possession, a skill City require to make incisions among the usual prolonged bouts of build-up.

Jeremy Doku already brings that off the left flank but Pedro is more malleable in the number of roles he's able to fulfil. Not only that but Maresca has already signed the player once given it was him in charge when Chelsea lured him from Brighton for £55m last year.

His signing may be among the most difficult to pull off given he's contracted until 2033 and is one of Chelsea's most important assets. However, if there's any Premier League rival that could make a move for the 24-year-old happen regardless, it's City.

Cole Palmer

Both the most obvious move while being arguably the least likely to materialise at the same time. After struggling for first-team opportunities under Guardiola, Palmer has gone from strength to strength since leaving City in 2023 and could be considered the most valuable piece of Chelsea's puzzle.

But that was with Guardiola in charge. Palmer, who turned 24 earlier in May, appeared to enjoy his time with Maresca and produced solid numbers under the Italian, suggesting he may be tempted back to his hometown if the right offer came in.

Against, Silva's departure from the Etihad this summer creates a significant void in City's midfield. However, convincing Palmer himself to come fill that hole may be the biggest obstacle of all.

"I’ve got no plans to move club and when I see it I just laugh," he told The Guardian in April. "Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. Maybe I’ll miss it if I don’t go for three months or something. But then when I get home I think there’s nothing there for me anyway."

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