Malo Gusto future in doubt as Chelsea raise valuation after Marco Palestra arrival

Chelsea have reportedly increased their valuation of Malo Gusto as uncertainty grows over the defender's future following the club's move for Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra.

The Blues are expected to complete a deal worth more than £43 million for Palestra, handing incoming head coach Xabi Alonso his first signing at Stamford Bridge. The arrival of another right-back has inevitably fuelled speculation surrounding Gusto, who continues to attract interest from Manchester City.

According to reports, Chelsea are willing to consider offers for the France international, but only at a significantly higher price than initially expected.

Earlier reports suggested Chelsea would listen to offers in the region of £40 million, a figure that would still generate a profit on the £31 million paid to Lyon in 2023.

However, the Daily Mail now claims the London club have almost doubled that valuation.

Chelsea are reportedly demanding around £75 million before considering a sale, reflecting both Gusto's importance to the squad and the growing interest in the 23-year-old across Europe.

The defender has made 134 appearances for the Blues, establishing himself as one of the club's most reliable options across the back line while helping Chelsea win both the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League.

Manchester City continue searching for a long-term solution at right-back after previously showing interest in Marco Palestra before Chelsea won the race.

Reports earlier this week suggested Enzo Maresca, who is expected to become Pep Guardiola's successor at the Etihad Stadium, would welcome a reunion with Gusto after working with him at Stamford Bridge.

Whether City are prepared to meet Chelsea's new valuation remains unclear, particularly after already committing a club-record £116 million to the signing of Elliot Anderson.

Having followed Chelsea's recruitment over the past few seasons, the revised valuation appears designed as much to discourage potential buyers as to reflect Gusto's market value. While the arrival of Palestra increases competition on the right flank, Chelsea are under no financial pressure to sell one of their most experienced defenders.

However, if Manchester City decide Gusto is their priority target, negotiations could still develop later in the transfer window.

While Gusto's future remains uncertain, Chelsea's position on Josh Acheampong appears much more straightforward.

Despite attracting interest from several clubs after limited first-team opportunities, the academy graduate is reportedly viewed as untouchable by the club.

Chelsea now see Acheampong primarily as a central defender rather than a right-back, a decision that aligns with reports linking the Blues to Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

Those moves suggest Alonso is preparing to implement the 3-4-2-1 formation that brought him major success at Bayer Leverkusen, with greater emphasis placed on wing-backs and a three-man central defence.

Chelsea are expected to complete the signing of Marco Palestra before making any final decision on Gusto's future. Manchester City will likely assess whether Chelsea's £75 million valuation fits their summer budget before deciding if they should formalise their interest.

Much could also depend on Alonso's plans during pre-season, when he will have the opportunity to evaluate both Gusto and his new arrivals ahead of the Premier League campaign.

Would Manchester City be right to spend £75 million on Malo Gusto, or should Chelsea keep one of their most dependable defenders?