City’s pursuit of Malo Gusto looks to be gathering pace again, with reports suggesting the Chelsea right-back is moving closer to a reunion with Enzo Maresca at the Etihad.
Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke reports City have been given the “green light” to pursue a deal, largely down to the relationship Gusto built with Maresca during their 18 months together at Stamford Bridge. It builds on City’s earlier confirmation that personal terms were not expected to be a stumbling block, with Fabrizio Romano placing Chelsea’s valuation at around £75m.
The fee remains the sticking point. Chelsea are said to have little appetite to strengthen a direct Premier League rival, particularly after missing out on Europe following a 10th-placed finish, and Gusto’s contract at Stamford Bridge doesn’t expire until 2030 — handing the west London club real leverage in any negotiation. That’s consistent with City’s stance of holding firm on valuation rather than meeting Chelsea’s asking price outright.
Malo Gusto has spent the summer at the World Cup with France, and with Les Bleus now out of the tournament following their semi-final defeat to Spain, there’s an expectation that talks between the two clubs could move more quickly now he’s available to focus on his club future.
Nothing is close to being finalised, and Chelsea’s asking price still represents a significant gap for City to bridge. But taken together, the direction of travel points towards a deal City continue to want to do — even if the fee is still to be settled.
This piece draws on reporting from Football Insider and Fabrizio Romano, and has not been independently confirmed by Manchester City or Chelsea.
