Manchester City have responded to Chelsea's £75m asking price for defender Malo Gusto, with reports suggesting the Blues may need to reduce their valuation to facilitate a transfer this summer. According to RMC, Chelsea will have to lower their demands if they are to encourage City or Paris Saint-Germain into making a formal offer for the France international.
New City head coach Enzo Maresca is keen to be reunited with Gusto, who was a regular fixture at right-back during Maresca's previous tenure at Chelsea. City spent much of last season operating with Matheus Nunes in that role, and although the Portugal international adjusted superbly to the demands of the position, the early signs are that Maresca wants a more natural full-back in that area.
Alonso's squad overhaul at Chelsea
At Chelsea, Xabi Alonso is in the process of making sweeping changes to a squad that failed to qualify for Europe last season amid significant upheaval. The departures of Enzo Maresca in January and Liam Rosenior's short-lived reign are now distant memories, with the Blues already looking far better equipped to challenge for Champions League qualification at the very least.
With Morgan Rogers arriving at a cost of £117 million and Danny Welbeck complementing the likes of Joao Pedro, Chelsea's attack now boasts greater variation and experience. Jordan Henderson's presence will also add greater nous to a dressing room that has lacked genuine leadership since the departure of Thiago Silva two years ago.
Defensive changes and Gusto's future
Alonso has also overseen significant changes in defence, where Trevoh Chalobah's impending move to Como has already been offset by the arrival of Premier League-proven Maxence Lacroix. Changes are also set to take place in the full-back positions, with Marc Cucurella having left to join Real Madrid and effectively been replaced by Pep Chavarria.
On the opposite flank, Marco Palestra is expected to feature prominently, and his arrival from Bologna could hasten the departure of Gusto. The former Lyon star was a regular under Maresca at right-back, and the new Manchester City head coach is keen to bring him to the Etihad.
City's interest and potential alternatives
Maresca remains interested in another of his former Chelsea charges in the shape of Pedro Neto. Brazil winger Savinho remains heavily linked with a move to Tottenham, and Neto has been earmarked as his potential replacement at City, although Chelsea value him in the same price bracket as Gusto.
With the transfer window still open, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Chelsea are willing to negotiate on their asking price or if Gusto will remain at Stamford Bridge for the upcoming season.
