Malo Gusto agrees Man City transfer as Chelsea full-back eyes Enzo Maresca reunion

Malo Gusto agrees Man City transfer as Chelsea full-back eyes Enzo Maresca reunion

Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto has reportedly agreed to personal terms to join Manchester City this summer. The France international has given the green light for a move that would reunite him with former manager Enzo Maresca, who is expected to succeed Pep Guardiola in the City dugout.

According to Foot Mercato, Manchester City acted quickly to gauge interest and secured an agreement in principle with the 23-year-old defender. Gusto, who arrived from Olympique Lyonnais in January 2023 for €30 million, is said to be enthusiastic about working under Maresca again. The pair previously worked together at Stamford Bridge between July 2024 and January of this year, and successfully won the FIFA Club World Cup title together in 2025.

Maresca views the full-back as a crucial component of his new sporting project, believing Gusto possesses the technical and tactical attributes required to thrive in his system. However, the transition from personal agreement to a completed transfer faces a substantial valuation gap between the two clubs.

Valuation Disputes and Contract Leverage

The financial terms of a potential deal remain a point of contention, with various reports citing conflicting figures. Yahoo Sports reports that Chelsea is demanding an asking price of £75 million (€87 million), a sum that would make Gusto the most expensive full-back of all time. According to that report, City's internal valuation falls considerably short of this figure.

Other sources provide differing perspectives on the cost:

• TEAMtalk reported that Chelsea's desired fee was approximately £60 million, with City preferring to pay about £50 million.
• Nicolo Schira reported Chelsea were asking for €50-55 million.
• Ben Jacobs indicated Chelsea values the player at more than £45 million.
• Hooligan Soccer cited a potential cost of approximately $75 million (£57 million).

Chelsea maintains significant leverage in these negotiations because Gusto's contract does not expire until 2030. The Blues are reportedly reluctant to sanction the departure of a star player to a direct domestic rival, especially as they have already faced numerous approaches for several players during the current transfer window. Further complicating the dialogue is an ongoing legal dispute between the two clubs regarding Maresca's departure from Stamford Bridge.

Squad Dynamics and Alternatives

Chelsea may be more open to a sale following the recruitment of Marco Palestra for €55 million. Some reports suggest Palestra, who plays the same position, provides the necessary cover to facilitate Gusto's exit, alongside the availability of Reece James.

For Manchester City, the pursuit of Gusto is part of a broader effort to solve a right-back problem. While some reports suggest Gusto is a priority, the Manchester Evening News states the club has a low level of interest and is also considering the less expensive Givairo Read from Feyenoord. Other targets mentioned include a desire to recruit a specialist to compete with Matheus Nunes.

The potential raid on Chelsea may extend beyond the defense. According to Jack Rosser of Sun Sport, City has also looked into the possibility of signing midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Other linked names from the Chelsea squad include Marc Cucurella.

International Focus and Next Steps

Gusto is currently focused on international duty with France at the 2026 World Cup. He is preparing for a round of 32 clash against Sweden. His tournament appearances thus far have been limited to a combined 10 minutes against Iraq and Norway. He has earned 13 caps for his country to date.

At Chelsea, Gusto's tenure has included 134 appearances across all competitions, resulting in three goals and 17 assists, including a Conference League title during the 2024-25 season.

Background talks between the clubs are expected to accelerate once the World Cup reaches its later stages. Whether Manchester City closes the valuation gap or pursues alternative targets remains to be seen as director of football Hugo Viana manages the summer rebuild.