City’s £75m ultimatum to Chelsea tests Maresca’s reunion hopes

Inside the Etihad Stadium’s boardroom, Manchester City officials stare at a £75 million price tag on a transfer dossier for Chelsea’s 23‑year‑old French right‑back Malo Gusto. The club has issued an ultimatum: if Chelsea does not lower the valuation, City will explore alternative options before the summer window shuts. Malo Gusto, 23, has been singled out as Manchester City’s primary target to fill the right‑back vacancy this summer. His previous stint under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea fuels speculation that a reunion could be decisive if the clubs reach an agreement. The transfer is further complicated by the unresolved compensation dispute stemming from Maresca’s departure from Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s current valuation of Gusto stands at £75 million, a figure that City deems excessive.

Manchester City splashes €134m on Anderson to reshape midfield

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported that City “are not planning to spend £75 million” on the French defender despite Maresca’s appreciation. He added that should Chelsea’s asking price remain unchanged, City “would explore different options”. Director of football Hugo Viana is not expected to be swayed solely by a player’s profile, as demonstrated by City’s parallel pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson. The club justified the potential fee for Anderson on his attributes rather than any desperation to secure a right‑back.

City legends endorse Maresca, signal confidence for Guardiola era

City’s scouting network has also identified Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi as a possible conversion candidate for the right‑back role. The emergence of such alternatives gives the Etihad hierarchy leverage in negotiations with Chelsea. How the ultimatum resolves will determine whether Gusto’s future at Chelsea changes before the transfer window closes. A narrowed price gap could unlock a reunion under Maresca, while a stalemate may force City to redirect its recruitment strategy.