Chelsea are demanding £75 million for defender Malo Gusto, with Manchester City among the clubs showing interest in the France international.
While the Blues do not actively want to offload the player, whom they consider a valued member of their squad, they would be prepared to entertain offers should their valuation be met.
Gusto, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lyon for approximately £30 million in 2023, is understood to be open to departing west London. Several other clubs, in addition to City, are also believed to be monitoring the situation of the 23-year-old who impressed during his debut season in England under Mauricio Pochettino before his progress stalled under Enzo Maresca.
A potential move to the Etihad Stadium could see Gusto reunited with Maresca, who is widely expected to be confirmed as City’s new manager in the coming days, replacing Pep Guardiola. Gusto recently featured in France’s 3-0 World Cup victory over Iraq on Monday.
The west London club faces pressure to sell players this summer to comply with financial regulations, particularly after failing to qualify for European competition for the second time in four seasons. The defence is an area where the squad is currently overstocked, making it a likely source of departures.
Beyond Gusto, Chelsea’s defensive options include Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and Josh Acheampong, all of whom will be available to the club’s incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
Meanwhile, a deal is understood to have been agreed for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, a 21-year-old with two Italy caps who played 37 times in Serie A last season on loan at Cagliari.
This comes after Chelsea missed out on signing Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in January, who opted to join Liverpool instead.
Gusto has made 134 appearances for Chelsea during his three seasons at the club, but has not always been a consistent starter due to the presence of club captain Reece James.
If he were to join City, he would likely be in a battle with Matheus Nunes to nail down the right-back spot at the Etihad.
