City are chasing a final piece of silverware in the Premier League but need Arsenal to falter for the former Barcelona boss to add to his 20 trophies at the club.

Guardiola is reportedly furious that news of his departure was leaked on the eve of a crucial title race encounter. He was left with no choice but to confirm his exit to players during a late-night phone call.

Maresca’s expected succession to Guardiola will mean the arrival of a much lower profile figure, but one steeped in the club’s methods and approach.

Maresca, who took Leicester back into the Premier League before winning the Conference League then the Club World Cup at Chelsea, is another graduate of the Guardiola coaching academy.

The Italian worked as assistant under Guardiola at City before branching out on his own, following the same template as Mikel Arteta, now on the brink of Premier League and Champions League glory with Arsenal after a successful spell on the coaching staff at Etihad Stadium.