New manager Enzo Maresca is reportedly urging Manchester City to launch a summer move for Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto as the new Etihad boss looks to raid his former club.
Maresca Pushing Man City to Sign Chelsea Star Gusto
Gusto arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lyon in a £31 million deal in 2023 and has since made 134 appearances across all competitions for the west London giants.
During his time at Chelsea, the Frenchman has helped the club secure the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup, while also collecting runners-up medals in both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
The 23-year-old played a prominent role last season, starting 26 of Chelsea’s 38 Premier League matches after three separate injuries to club captain Reece James opened the door for regular minutes at right-back.
Maresca, who worked closely with Gusto during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, has been impressed by the defender’s abilities and wants to make him a key part of his new project at Manchester City.
However, Chelsea are not alone in their pursuit. Reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain have also emerged as serious contenders, with manager Luis Enrique reportedly giving the proposed move his approval as he seeks quality competition for Achraf Hakimi.
The growing interest from top European clubs, combined with Marco Palestra’s recent £43 million arrival at Chelsea, has seen Gusto “drop further down the pecking order” at the club.
Chelsea find themselves under pressure to offload players to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, which could pave the way for Gusto’s departure before the transfer deadline.
But the Blues will not entertain any offers below their £75 million valuation of the France international.
Manchester City have already secured Elliot Anderson as their only major first-team addition of the window, but Maresca admitted earlier this week that there are still “things we need to do” in the market.
City are also preparing a big-money offer for Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, with the Portuguese star carrying a £70 million price tag.
With the new Premier League season just two-and-a-half weeks away, the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the French full-back remains in west London or reunites with Maresca at the Etihad.
