Man City formally ask Pep Guardiola about whether he plans to see out his contract

Ahead of the international break, Manchester City beat Arsenal to the Carabao Cup final.

Following the victory, the club sought clarity on Pep Guardiola’s future, formally asking him if he intends to see out his contract, according to talkSPORT.

Sporting director Hugo Viana and other senior figures at Man City are still unaware of whether Guardiola will stay or leave, come the end of the 2025/26 season.

His contract expires in the summer of 2027, but speculation about his future at Man City has been a talking point for the last few seasons now.

According to talkSPORT, the club were hoping that the 55-year-old would privately confirm that he would be staying during the international break.

But with no confirmation yet, the club are planning for all scenarios, though would prefer if Guardiola confirmed where he stands as soon as possible.

Uncertainty begins to impact transfer plans

One of the allures of players joining Manchester City in recent years has been having the opportunity to work with one of the greatest football managers, Guardiola.

And with the summer window fast approaching, there are many players considering their next moves.

According to reports, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and other summer targets are understood to be factoring in Guardiola’s future when making their decision.

The club have insisted, however, that there is no panic, and that they have contingency plans should the Spaniard decide to leave.

Maresca and other options emerge as successors

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is among the candidates to replace Guardiola.

Maresca is well known at Man City, having worked as an assistant to Guardiola before managing Leicester City and Chelsea.

While the Italian was still at Chelsea, he had a clause in his contract that required him to inform the London side should other clubs approach him.

As a result, he had to inform his Chelsea bosses when both Manchester City and Juventus formally approached him.

As of now, there are no moves being made, but Maresca stands as the favourite.

Other targets include new Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi, former Man City captain Vincent Kompany and Xabi Alonso.

Guardiola has been given the freedom to walk away should he please, with confirmation surely to be given in the coming weeks.

READ NEXT: Premier League news: Tottenham appoint Roberto De Zerbi as Igor Tudor’s replacement