It has been claimed that Enzo Maresca, who seems set to become the brand-new Chelsea manager has his sights set on signing one player from Manchester City.
On Friday, it was reported that Chelsea are set to appoint the former City assistant manager, who has agreed terms with the club, as per Sky Sports.
It seems like Manchester City and Chelsea have developed a blossoming business relationship over the past few years.
City have sold both Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer to the Blues while Mateo Kovacic made his way to the Etihad Stadium this season in the past two seasons.
Enzo Maresca is keen on Chelsea signing Manchester City prodigy
According to a report published by The Sun on Sunday (page 61, 02/06/2024), Enzo Maresca has planned for Leicester City to put a bid worth £20 million to sign James McAtee.
However, it seems like Enzo Maresca has departed Leicester after spearheading their return to the Premier League to join Chelsea, where he remains keen on signing James McAtee.
Unlike during Cole Palmer’s sale, Manchester City will insert a sell-on clause if they decide to sell the 21-year-old to the West London club.
Man City should only sell James McAtee if a buyback clause is agreed
In our view, if Manchester City are happy to let Enzo Maresca reunite with James McAtee at Chelsea, the deal should only go through if both clubs can agree a buyback clause being in place.
McAtee is one of the most talented players City have produced and despite being in a poor Sheffield United team on loan last season, the fact that he seems to be generating interest from a top club speaks volumes of his quality.
Logically, Chelsea would be hesitant to agree on a buyback clause in case McAtee pines for a return to the Etihad Stadium one day.
But from City’s perspective, losing yet another outstanding young player after Palmer to a club who are building to knock them off their perch one day would be risky business.
Other clubs in the Premier League or even abroad would perhaps be more open to such a deal and Manchester City should only be open to selling James McAtee to such teams.