Manchester City are interested in signing Chelsea defender Malo Gusto this summer, with incoming manager Enzo Maresca pushing for a reunion with the France international.
Football Place understands Maresca is keen to work with the 23-year-old again after their time together at Stamford Bridge, where Gusto established himself as a regular under the Italian.
The move comes as Maresca prepares to begin a new era at the Etihad following his appointment as Pep Guardiola’s successor. Having agreed a three-year contract, the former Chelsea boss is already helping shape City’s transfer plans ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Maresca wants familiar face at the Etihad
Gusto is among the players being considered as City look to strengthen at right-back.
Chelsea are understood to be willing to listen to offers exceeding £40million for the defender, who still has four years remaining on his contract.
The Blues' stance comes as they move closer to signing a new right-back themselves after beating Inter Milan to highly-rated Italian youngster Marco Palestra.
With Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis currently the main options on the right side of City's defence, Maresca sees Gusto as a player capable of adding both quality and familiarity to his squad.
Having worked closely with the Frenchman during his spell at Chelsea, the City boss is fully aware of what the defender can offer both defensively and going forward.
Chelsea career has boosted Gusto's reputation
Since arriving from Lyon in January 2023, Gusto has developed into one of Chelsea's most reliable full-backs.
The Frenchman made 72 appearances under Maresca and played an important role during a campaign that delivered both Conference League and Club World Cup success.
Last season alone, he featured 49 times across all competitions, underlining his importance to the squad.
His performances at club level have also strengthened his position with France, where he is currently part of the national team's World Cup squad in North America. Gusto earned his 12th senior international cap after appearing from the bench in France's victory over Iraq earlier this week.
City planning major summer rebuild
The interest in Gusto forms part of what is expected to be a significant recruitment drive at Manchester City.
Despite winning both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup last season, City finished seven points behind Premier League champions Arsenal and are looking to strengthen several areas of the squad.
Midfield remains another priority. Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is still viewed as a major target, although City recently saw a £121million offer rejected.
With Maresca now overseeing a new chapter at the Etihad, City are expected to remain active in the market throughout the summer as they attempt to reclaim the Premier League title.
Key Points
- Manchester City are interested in signing Chelsea defender Malo Gusto.
- Enzo Maresca is pushing for a reunion with his former player.
- Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers above £40million.
- Gusto made 49 appearances across all competitions last season.
- City are expected to be active in the transfer market under their new manager.
What’s Next?
Manchester City's interest is currently at an exploratory stage, but Gusto is firmly on the club's radar as they assess options at right-back. Chelsea's pursuit of Marco Palestra could influence their willingness to sanction a sale, while Maresca's admiration for the Frenchman may accelerate discussions if City decide to formalise their interest.
For now, Gusto remains focused on France's World Cup campaign, but his club future could become one of the more interesting Premier League transfer stories in the weeks ahead.
Would Malo Gusto be the right signing for Manchester City, or should Maresca target a different solution at right-back?
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