Chelsea have slapped a £75million valuation on their right back, Malo Gusto.
Gusto is admired by Manchester City, and sources close to the 23-year-old Frenchman say he would be interested in linking up again with his former manager, Enzo Maresca, who is in line to succeed Pep Guardiola.
However, Chelsea insiders add City are not the only club to have indicated their interest in Gusto, saying there are other top sides in Europe circling the France international this summer.
Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Gusto, who remains valued internally.
Gusto is admired by Manchester City, and sources close to the 23-year-old Frenchman say he would be interested in linking up again with his former manager, Enzo Maresca
But the Blues are set to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta. This week, they have hijacked Inter Milan’s pursuit of the 21-year-old Italian, and are primed to make him their first new signing of the summer under Xabi Alonso.
Palestra can play as a full back or a wing back on either side, and Chelsea’s interest in the versatile defender who spent the last season on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta immediately invited speculation surrounding Gusto.
Gusto has been linked with City, but it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to come close to Chelsea’s £75m valuation, even in a window where fees seem to have skyrocketed. Chelsea are also insisting they want £120m if they are to sell Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid this summer.
Manchester City are also in pursuit of Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson ahead of Maresca’s expected arrival at the Etihad.
The Three Lions midfielder is currently in the United States at the World Cup but all parties involved are aware of his wish to join City, who have seen two offers rejected by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.
City’s latest offer, which stands at an initial £106m with add-ons and bonuses, would surpass the £125m that Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.
Gusto pictured on international duty with France ahead of facing Iraq at the World Cup
Despite Guardiola confirming his departure from the Etihad a week before the end of last season, and City immediately entering talks with Maresca over the prospect of succeeding him, it is taking time for the Premier League giants to officially agree and announce the Italian’s appointment.
Executives at City have been in lengthy dialogue with their Chelsea counterparts for weeks over the terms of an agreement that allows them to unveil the manager.
A compensation package expected to be worth in excess of £10million is what Chelsea look set to secure for the Italian manager, who resigned at Stamford Bridge at the turn of the year.
