Manchester City are exploring a move for Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto as head coach Enzo Maresca continues to reshape his squad with familiar faces from Stamford Bridge, according to multiple reports.
The Italian, who took charge at the Etihad on a three-year deal signed on 29 June, worked closely with Gusto during his time in west London. He is understood to see the 22-year-old as a natural fit to provide competition at right-back for Matheus Nunes, according to Metro
Chelsea holding firm on £75m valuation
City have already made contact over a deal but have so far been put off by the fee Chelsea are demanding. The Blues want £75million for the France international, a figure that director of football Hugo Viana has been reluctant to meet, though reports suggest City could yet be given a “green light” to press ahead if terms can be softened.
Gusto would not be the only former Maresca player to follow him north. The 45-year-old has also been strongly linked with a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, valued at around £120million, as a possible long-term successor to Rodri amid continued speculation over the Spaniard’s future and reported interest from Real Madrid.
Winger Pedro Neto has also emerged as a target, with reports describing Maresca as having “a genuine and concrete interest” in reuniting with the Portuguese international, who scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 52 appearances for Chelsea last season.
One source close to the situation was quoted as saying Pedro Neto is not entirely untouchable for Chelsea. There have been some informal discussions, internally, I should say, and they’re all on board with letting him go if City or anyone else comes in with the right offer.
Maresca settling into life at the Etihad
Maresca’s move to City brought a chaotic end to his Chelsea tenure, with the club accepting £17million in compensation after he left in the wake of speculation linking him with talks at both City and Juventus.
He also reached a personal settlement with Chelsea and apologised for the disruption caused by his departure.
Since being confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s successor, Maresca has been open about his intention to build his own squad while preserving much of the identity Guardiola established over eight trophy-laden years at the club. Speaking after his unveiling, he indicated further changes to the squad were likely as he looks to put his own stamp on the team.
His interest in Chelsea’s players is not new. Gusto broke into the first team under Maresca’s predecessor but developed further during the Italian’s spell in charge, becoming a regular in Chelsea’s back line.
City’s admiration for the defender has been growing for some time, though there is no suggestion a breakthrough in talks is imminent.
Should City fail to land Gusto, they are understood to have previously considered Roma’s Wesley as an alternative right-back option, though those discussions did not advance.
With City also chasing Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi in midfield, there is scepticism over whether the club would be willing to sanction moves for all three Chelsea targets in the same window.
Which of Gusto, Fernandez or Neto takes priority is likely to become clearer as the transfer deadline approaches.
Chelsea, for their part, have continued to spend heavily this summer, including a big-money deal for forward Morgan Rogers, and may look to offset that outlay with departures before the window closes at the start of September.
