It's a substantial nod to Pep Guardiola's prowess that two of the most promising managers in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta and Enzo Maresca, honed their craft under his guidance at Manchester City, subsequently enhancing the dynamics at Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.

As discussions around Pep's potential successor heat up, it’s natural for these two to enter the frame given their familiarity with the club's ethos. However, it seems improbable that either will take the helm anytime soon.

City’s hierarchy will likely seek a candidate with a proven track record of clinching major league titles or European trophies. With Hugo Viana stepping in as the new sporting director, the club will need a figure at the forefront capable of luring top talent.

Equally crucial is the fact that despite any potential overtures from City, both Arteta and Maresca are unlikely to abandon their respective projects for the daunting task of succeeding a footballing icon.

Guardiola's success echoes that of Sir Alex Ferguson, whose legacy at Manchester United has proven a tough act to follow, lingering for over a decade.

As Guardiola approaches the final year of his City contract, speculation about his future continues to swirl, adding to the intrigue of the managerial landscape in the Premier League.

Former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy, has claimed that Manchester City will not consider either Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta or Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca when they want to replace Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola is into the final months of his current City contract and is yet to confirm his next move.

Murphy believes Arteta and Maresca, who both worked under the Spaniard at the Etihad, will remain at their current jobs next summer.

According to him, City will go for a manager who has a track record of winning trophies if Guardiola quits.

In a Daily Mail column, he wrote: “It’s a massive compliment to Pep Guardiola that two of the brightest Premier League managers worked for him at Manchester City and have greatly improved Chelsea and Arsenal on what they learned.

“Enzo Maresca and Mikel Arteta will be in the conversation to succeed their mentor when Pep leaves because they already know the club so well.

“But I don’t think it’s going to happen. First, I suspect City will want a manager with experience of winning a major league or European competition.

“Just as importantly, I don’t believe even if they are courted by City either Maresca or Arteta would be prepared at this stage to sacrifice the projects they are building for the awkward challenge of following a legend.”

Taking a closer look at Maresca, he has skyrocketed to acclaim with a fantastic start at Chelsea, despite entering the fray with no previous top-flight management experience. His ability to galvanize a youthful and gifted team showcases his leadership, a significant departure from his time at City where the squad was laden with seasoned professionals.

Perhaps it’s the traditionalist in me, but I believe Maresca possesses a true sense of gratitude towards Chelsea for the opportunity they’ve extended him, and that loyalty may well play a vital role in his decision-making. The quality of City’s roster is undoubtedly extraordinary, yet should Chelsea continue to rise, a promising future lies ahead.

From City's vantage point, there would certainly be concerns over whether the absence of Guardiola and Txiki Begiristain could impact their allure in the transfer market. While it’s true that contemporary players weigh various factors—beyond the manager—when considering a switch, high-profile names like Zinedine Zidane, Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, or even Vincent Kompany might present a stronger magnetic pull for elite players than Maresca at this stage.

Similarly, the German coach Julian Nagelsmann could find himself as a viable option post the 2026 World Cup, should Guardiola prolong his stay at City.

Arteta, with his accolades including an FA Cup and two Premier League second-place finishes, is a step ahead of Maresca in terms of achievements. However, he too harbors a deep commitment to Arsenal, a club that entrusted him with a crucial role despite his limited managerial credentials at the time. His ongoing efforts to rebuild the Gunners signal a desire to see his vision fulfilled before contemplating a move.

City has recently appointed Hugo Viana as sporting director, taking over from the departing Txiki Begiristain, which adds another layer to the managerial succession narrative.

Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso's remarkable spell at Bayer Leverkusen, culminating in their first Bundesliga title, only amplifies the talent pool of available managers.

In a parallel scenario at Aston Villa, Unai Emery is provided the necessary backing to develop his project, thus presenting no compelling reason for him to seek an exit.

Both Maresca and Arteta undeniably carry the Guardiola imprint on their coaching philosophy. It’s no surprise, as managers often take cues from their mentors—both have fully adopted Guardiola's impressive methodology.

Expect to witness the essence of Pep’s influence as both teams engage in an enthralling spectacle at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

Regardless of Guardiola's plans come summer, I anticipate we will see the same faces navigating their teams on the touchline next season in this highly competitive landscape.