Chelsea's Maneuver: Man City's Tense Relations Over Maresca Deal and Xhaka Transfer Signals a Shift in the Game

IT MAY be a long way off but all eyes will be on the directors’ box at The Etihad on December 12 when Chelsea visit Manchester City.

City have had to cough up £17million in compensation to appoint as manager after he quit on January 1.

Enzo Maresca has been confirmed as Manchester City’s new manager Credit: Reuters Xabi Alonso will take charge of Chelsea this summer Credit: Alamy

The boss himself issued and has had to pay millions in personal compensation to his former employers.

Sources claim relations between the two clubs came close to being toxic at times across the process of settling compensation.

This means it could be a rather awkward reunion in December, before City visit for the return fixture on April 24.

MEANS TO AN ENZ

REAL MADRID have Enzo Fernandez on their summer wishlist, but any deal is unlikely to happen as quickly as Marc Cucurella’s.

Real’s £47.5million move for the was wrapped up in just 48 hours.

However, having landed Cucurella, SunSport understands the Spanish giants now need to sell before adding another marquee name.

Returning manager is a big fan of midfielder Fernandez.

Chelsea have slapped a whopping £120m asking price on the international, currently away at the World Cup, and Los Blancos would need to boost their coffers before engaging at that sort of level.

Enzo Fernandez is a target of Real Madrid Credit: Getty

XHAK IT OFF

CHELSEA may have angered Sunderland with their £8million bid for Granit Xhaka, but it sent a very clear message through Stamford Bridge.

A move for the Swiss veteran, a favourite of ‘s from their time at , is the biggest hint yet that strategies are changing in west London.

At least that is how it is being viewed by football insiders.

Of course, if things are left as they are following a low opening bid, then it would mean little.

Chelsea have made an £8million bid for Granit Xhaka Credit: Getty

But if the former captain does actually arrive at Chelsea, it shows just how much more of a collective approach the Blues are taking when it comes to recruitment.

Each previous Chelsea manager under this ownership has identified the need for experience and leadership.

Nut none have so far been given that – aside from perhaps the free transfer of .

To commit funds to a from Sunderland would be quite the leap from the club’s previous approach in the market.