Enzo Maresca is pushing Manchester City to sign his former Chelsea player Malo Gusto, according to reports. The Italian manager, who is set to be confirmed as City's new head coach after compensation was agreed with Chelsea, wants to bring the French right-back to the Etihad this summer.
Maresca's transfer plans
Maresca left his role at Stamford Bridge in January and has agreed to take over from legendary manager Pep Guardiola at the end of last season. Replacing club legends proved difficult at clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal, where David Moyes and Unai Emery struggled following Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger's respective exits. Maresca is hoping to bring in a number of his own signings this summer to avoid the same fate, having been linked with moves for Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez. However, the Chelsea board view Palmer as 'untouchable' and Real Madrid are leading the race to sign wantaway midfielder Fernandez.
Gusto as a target
A Chelsea player could still follow Maresca to Man City, with the Italian manager hoping to sign Gusto, according to talkSPORT. Manchester City were in the race to sign Inter Milan defender Marco Malestra but have been forced to turn to other targets after Chelsea agreed a £51m deal. One such target is Gusto, with Chelsea reportedly wanting at least £40m to sell the defender. It was reported earlier this week that Chelsea were not ruling out a summer sale for Gusto, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lyon in 2023.
Gusto's career
Gusto has been a mainstay in the Chelsea team over the past three seasons, making 134 appearances since his £31m move from France. The 23-year-old is currently at the World Cup with much-fancied France and came on as a substitute in Monday's 3-0 win over Iraq.
