Malo Gusto opens door to Manchester City move from Chelsea

Manchester City have received permission from Chelsea’s Malo Gusto to open talks over a potential summer transfer. The French right-back’s current contract at Stamford Bridge runs until June 2030.

Chelsea have set a £75 million asking price for Gusto, a figure that has prompted Manchester City to consider alternative options if the demand remains unchanged. The London club’s valuation reflects the defender’s 134 appearances since joining from Olympique Lyonnais in January 2023 for £30.7 million, during which he has scored three goals and provided 17 assists.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Gusto comes as Enzo Maresca prepares to take charge at the Etihad Stadium. The new head coach is described as a ‘big fan’ of the 23-year-old, having worked with him previously at Chelsea, where they won the 2024–25 UEFA Conference League and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup together.

The move would address a positional need for City, where Matheus Nunes has been used as a regular right-back under Pep Guardiola despite being a central midfielder by trade. Rico Lewis, the club’s backup option, has been linked with a move away after making only 11 Premier League appearances last season.

Gusto is currently in action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with France, who face Spain in the semifinal on July 14. His representatives have already held discussions with Manchester City regarding a potential switch, though Chelsea’s £75 million valuation remains a sticking point.

Chelsea have further complicated the situation by signing Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta this summer, increasing competition for minutes in the defensive position. Despite already fielding Gusto and Reece James, the club’s willingness to sell remains uncertain amid their own transfer activity.