Manchester City line up Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as replacement with Pep Guardiola expected to leave in summer - Paper Round
Updated 18/12/2025 at 22:39 GMT
Manchester City are considering a move for Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, should Pep Guardiola decide to leave the club at the end of this season, while Arsenal want to put off suitors by offering their defender Jurrien Timber a new deal. Meanwhile, Mike Ashley has a battle on his hands as he sets his sights on taking over Championship club Sheffield Wednesday.
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City consider Maresca move
Manchester City are considering a move for Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca should Pep Guardiola leave the club.
The Athletic believes that City are readying themselves for the Spaniard’s departure at the end of this season.
The website explains: "As revealed by The Athletic today, there is a growing belief among well-placed sources that this will be his last season in Manchester.
"Right now, there are strong indications that the City hierarchy will place Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca high among their list of candidates should Guardiola step aside.
"That is an intriguing prospect, not least because Maresca has spent most of his 18 months in charge of Chelsea battling to convince the outside world that he merits the faith the club has shown in him."
Arsenal to offer Timber new deal
Arsenal hope to ward off interest in defender Jurrien Timber after some impressive displays.
The 24-year-old Dutch international has been in fine form this season, and Arsenal are optimistic they will agree fresh terms.
The Mirror writes: "Arsenal are confident that Jurrien Timber will sign a new contract following positive talks led by Andrea Berta.
"The Gunners have dished out new deals to a number of key players over the past six months, as they look to future-proof their squad.
"Centre-back duo Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have both extended their stays, as have academy products Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly. Timber, 24, is firmly Arsenal's first-choice right-back and has also filled in at the centre of their injury-hit defence in recent weeks.
"The Dutchman's reliability at the back and frequent contributions in attack have made him a crucial cog in Mikel Arteta's system. Despite Timber's current deal not expiring until 2028, he's set to be offered fresh terms."
Newcastle may recall Targett
A defensive injury crisis might force Eddie Howe to recall Matt Targett from his loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Newcastle United are considering recalling Targett as Eddie Howe’s defensive nightmare worsens.
The Sun points out a break clause could be activated in January after Tino Livramento’s knee injury suffered against Fulham on Wednesday night.
The paper reports: "The Mags only had three fit senior defenders available for the Carabao Cup win over Fulham as Lewis Hall missed out with a hamstring issue.
"And after Tino Livramento limped off with [a] knee problem, Howe could go into Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea with only centre-halves Fabian Schar and Malick Thiaw available.
"Left-back Targett, 30, only featured five times last term but has become a key man down the A19 for Kim Hellberg’s promotion-chasing Boro."
Ashley faces battle for Wednesday
Mike Ashley is likely to face competition as he prepares an attempt to take over Sheffield Wednesday.
Another group, a US consortium with John McEvoy and the Storch family, are set to provide a rival offer.
The Daily Mail states: "The battle for Sheffield Wednesday is shaping into a two-horse race, with a preferred bidder expected to be selected in the near future.
"Daily Mail Sport previously reported that three parties were in for the troubled Championship club.
"However, it is understood that there are concerns over the funding involved with one of the groups – which includes a former poker player whose consultancy firm list Sheffield United among its clients – and a view that their offer could potentially struggle to satisfy the demands of the EFL’s Owners and Directors Test.
"Should that prove to be the case, it would leave former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and a consortium made up of Americans John McEvoy and the Storch family in the running to take over at Hillsborough."
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