Enzo Maresca has been linked with a controversial move to Premier League rivals Manchester City, prompting Chelsea to consider their options should the Italian depart Stamford Bridge.

Reports suggest Maresca is among the candidates Manchester City are lining up as a potential successor to Pep Guardiola, should the Spaniard choose to step away at the end of the season after a decade laden with trophies. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, there is a growing belief within City that Guardiola may indeed call time on his tenure this summer, with contingency plans already being drawn up.

A manager has never left one ‘big six’ Premier League club to join another, but if Maresca does push for the move to the Etihad, Chelsea would be forced into a major decision. Here are five potential replacements the club should consider.

Julian Nagelsmann

Nagelsmann was high on Chelsea’s shortlist in 2023 before he ultimately turned the club down, leading to the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino. Circumstances may be different this time. With elite club opportunities likely to be more limited, the Germany head coach could be more open to a return to club football.

Still only 38, the former Bayern Munich boss has already proved himself at the highest level. The major drawback would be timing, as Chelsea would likely have to wait until after the World Cup, significantly disrupting a crucial pre-season. Even so, a young, elite manager working with a youthful squad could be a compelling long-term fit.

Andoni Iraola

One of the Premier League’s most intriguing coaching prospects, Iraola guided Bournemouth to a joint club-record ninth-place finish last season and has continued to impress during the 2025–26 campaign.

Recent form has dipped, with Bournemouth winless in their last seven league matches, but that should not overshadow the broader trajectory of Iraola’s work, which has consistently exceeded expectations. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and interest building—Tottenham among those reportedly circling—Iraola is likely to be one of the most in-demand managers in the summer. Chelsea beating Spurs to his signature would not go unnoticed.

Roberto De Zerbi

De Zerbi has been linked with the Chelsea job ever since Todd Boehly’s consortium took control, largely due to strong connections between the club’s hierarchy and the Italian from his time at Brighton. Now in charge at Marseille, the 46-year-old remains one of Europe’s most progressive coaches.

Far from the stereotypical Italian manager, De Zerbi places a heavy emphasis on attacking football, aggressive pressing, high defensive lines and fluid positional play. If Chelsea are intent on maintaining an expansive style, he would be a natural fit—though prising him away from southern France could prove challenging.

Liam Rosenior

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is increasingly viewed within Chelsea’s ownership group as a future first-team head coach, particularly given his success within the BlueCo structure.

Rosenior has worked impressively with a notably young Strasbourg squad, guiding them into the Europa Conference League and topping the league phase in the 2025–26 campaign. His tactical approach would not represent a radical shift from Maresca’s, with Strasbourg often dominating possession and controlling matches. Crucially, Rosenior has already demonstrated an ability to work effectively within Chelsea’s ownership model.

Cesc Fàbregas

Even during his playing career, Fàbregas appeared destined for management, but few anticipated such a rapid rise. His work at Como has earned widespread acclaim, with many viewing the former midfielder as one of the most exciting young coaches in the game.

Fàbregas has often spoken about the influence of José Mourinho and Antonio Conte on his managerial philosophy, developed during a hugely successful spell at Chelsea. He has described his time at Stamford Bridge as one of the best decisions of his career, highlighting his bond with the fans and the trophies won during his stay.

Losing a head coach to a Premier League rival would be deeply unpopular with Chelsea supporters. Appointing a figure not only regarded as one of the brightest coaching minds in football, but also someone with a genuine connection to the club, could help soften the blow. If Chelsea do not move for Fàbregas soon, another elite club almost certainly will—and they may come to regret it.