Manchester City have reportedly drawn a clear line in the sand over their pursuit of Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, with the club unwilling to match the London side’s hefty asking price for the France international.
The summer transfer window has already seen City invest heavily as they continue reshaping their squad following the departure of former manager Pep Guardiola.
Sporting director Hugo Viana has been tasked with helping new head coach Enzo Maresca build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts next season.
Despite recently completing a club-record £116 million move for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, City are determined to remain disciplined in the transfer market.
The hierarchy are understood to be particularly cautious when it comes to strengthening positions that are not viewed as immediate priorities.
One of those areas is right-back, where Maresca is keen to add further competition and depth.
Matheus Nunes has been utilised in the role, but City remain interested in recruiting a specialist defender capable of providing quality cover and genuine competition throughout a demanding campaign.
As part of their search, City have explored several options across Europe. Tottenham Hotspur’s Pedro Porro had been among the names considered by recruitment staff.
Any hopes of securing the Spaniard were effectively ended after he committed his future to the North London club through a new contract.
That development prompted City to intensify their assessment of alternative targets.
Feyenoord’s highly regarded youngster Givairo Read has attracted significant interest from the club, while Malo Gusto has emerged as another player admired by decision-makers at the Etihad Stadium.
City refuse to match Chelsea’s valuation
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Manchester City are unwilling to meet Chelsea’s £75 million valuation of Gusto.
While the 23-year-old remains firmly on City’s shortlist, the report states that the club have established a maximum figure of £45 million for any potential deal.
That valuation is considerably lower than Chelsea’s demands and highlights City’s determination to avoid entering a bidding war.
Gusto’s reputation continues to grow following a series of impressive performances in the Premier League and on the international stage.
The French defender is reportedly attracting attention from several clubs across Europe, reflecting his standing as one of the most promising full-backs in the game.
Nevertheless, Chelsea are believed to be standing firm over their valuation.
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are open to discussing a transfer should an offer arrive that meets their expectations.
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The difference between the two clubs’ valuations could therefore become the major obstacle in negotiations.
A gap of £30 million is substantial, and unless one side changes its position, a transfer may struggle to progress beyond the initial stages.
Alternative options remain on City’s radar
Should Chelsea remain unmoved on their valuation, City appear ready to shift their attention elsewhere rather than compromise their financial stance.
One alternative is Feyenoord defender Givairo Read, who has developed into one of the most highly rated young full-backs in Dutch football.
The 20-year-old has impressed scouts with his athleticism, technical quality and attacking instincts, making him an attractive long-term option.
Importantly for City, Read would likely be available for a significantly lower fee than Gusto.
Although competition from German giants Bayern Munich could complicate matters, the Dutch defender remains a realistic target should negotiations with Chelsea fail to advance.
