Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto is keen on a move to Manchester City, according to French publication Foot Mercato, but the Blues' hefty £75 million asking price is proving a major obstacle. The 23-year-old French international, who has made 134 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Lyon in 2023 for £30.7 million, wants to reunite with his former manager Enzo Maresca at the Etihad.
Gusto's desire to join City
Gusto, who has earned 13 caps for France and is currently at the World Cup, impressed Maresca during their time together at Stamford Bridge. Maresca left Chelsea in January and is set to replace Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager this summer. City are planning significant squad investment, with a £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson already in the pipeline. However, Chelsea's valuation of Gusto, who remains under contract until 2030, has cooled City's interest.
Chelsea's right-back situation
Chelsea have already strengthened at right-back, agreeing a €60 million (£51.6m) deal with Atalanta for Marco Palestra. The initial fee is €57 million (£49.1m) plus €3 million (£2.5m) in add-ons, with Atalanta retaining a 10% sell-on clause. Palestra has signed a five-year contract worth €5 million (£2.5m) per season, doubling Inter Milan's offer. Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, whose four-year contract begins on July 1, will assess his options with Palestra, Reece James, and Gusto, which could influence the Frenchman's exit.
Alonso's vision for Chelsea
When Alonso's appointment was announced in May, he stated: 'Chelsea is one of the biggest clubs in world football and it fills me with immense pride to become manager of this great club. From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it is clear we share the same ambition. We want to build a team capable of competing consistently at the highest level and fighting for trophies. There is great talent in the squad and huge potential at this football club and it will be my great honour to lead it. Now the focus is on hard work, building the right culture and winning trophies.'
