Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto has reportedly agreed to join Manchester City this summer, setting up a reunion with his former manager Enzo Maresca.
From Chelsea to City: Gusto Set to Follow Maresca in Surprise Summer Switch
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, City officials have received a positive response from the 23-year-old French international, who has given the green light to a potential move to the Etihad.
Manchester City now need to persuade their Premier League rivals to cash in on the defender.
The driving force behind this shock transfer is the presence of Maresca, who is widely expected to be confirmed as Pep Guardiola’s successor at Manchester City.
The Italian manager worked closely with Gusto at Chelsea between July 2024 and January of this year, and the pair share an excellent relationship.
Maresca wants to make the French full-back a key part of his new project in Manchester, and Gusto is equally enthusiastic about reuniting with his former boss.
Gusto joined Chelsea from Olympique Lyonnais for €30 million in January 2023 and has since established himself as a reliable asset at Stamford Bridge.
He has made 134 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and 17 assists while lifting the Conference League during the 2024-25 season.
However, convincing Chelsea to sell will be a significant challenge. The Blues are in a strong bargaining position given that Gusto remains under contract until 2030.
It has been suggested that Chelsea value the defender at around £75 million an amount significantly higher than the £31 million they paid to sign him from Lyon.
Chelsea are close to concluding a deal to sign Atalanta’s Marco Palestra, which would add competition at right-back. But the London club are not especially looking to sell Gusto, particularly to a direct domestic rival.
For now, Gusto remains fully focused on international duty with France at the 2026 World Cup, where he is preparing for a crucial round of 32 clash against Sweden.
While he concentrates on the tournament, background talks between the clubs are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks.
