Manchester City are reportedly exploring a move for Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto, with manager Enzo Maresca pushing the club to consider a deal this summer, according to The Sun. The 23-year-old Frenchman has emerged as a top target for the reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain as well, but City's interest adds a new twist to the transfer saga.
Gusto's Chelsea Career and Recent Form
Gusto joined Chelsea from Lyon in a £31million deal in 2023 and has since made 134 appearances in all competitions for the west London club. During his time at Stamford Bridge, he has helped Chelsea win the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup, while also finishing as runner-up in both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.
Last season, Gusto played a prominent role due to three separate injuries to club captain Reece James, starting 26 of Chelsea's 38 Premier League games in a difficult campaign. When James has been fit, he has often been deployed as a central midfielder under managers Maresca and Liam Rosenior, allowing Gusto to maintain regular minutes at right-back.
PSG and Man City Interest
According to The Sun, there is a growing possibility that Gusto could leave Chelsea amid interest from top European clubs. Marco Palestra's recent £43m arrival has reportedly seen Gusto 'drop further down the pecking order' at Chelsea. PSG are said to be keen on signing Gusto as a backup and competitor for Achraf Hakimi, with Luis Enrique reportedly approving the move to bolster his defensive options ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Manchester City have also been alerted to a potential deal, with Maresca at the centre of a proposed bid, having been impressed with the 23-year-old during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are under pressure to offload players to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, which could facilitate Gusto's departure before the transfer deadline.
£75m Asking Price and Neto Link
However, Chelsea would not be prepared to sell Gusto unless they receive an offer in the region of £75million. City are also believed to be preparing a big-money offer for Gusto's Chelsea team-mate Pedro Neto under Maresca's orders this summer. Elliot Anderson remains City's only first-team addition this window, and Maresca admitted earlier this week that there were still 'things we need to do' in the transfer market.
Chelsea would be open to selling Neto and have reportedly set a £70m price tag on the Portuguese winger. Gusto has four years remaining on his current contract, while Neto's deal runs through to June 2031.
Pre-Season Absence and Future
As one of Chelsea's many World Cup participants, Gusto was not included in Xabi Alonso's touring party for pre-season clashes against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham in Sydney. He was also absent for the 1-0 defeat to Juventus on Wednesday, and it remains uncertain when he will link up with the squad, with the new Premier League campaign just two-and-a-half weeks away.
Chelsea continue their pre-season schedule versus AC Milan at Jakarta's GBK Stadium on Saturday, before facing Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia. Alonso's men then return to Stamford Bridge to face Real Sociedad in a final friendly on August 15.
