Chelsea value Malo Gusto at £75m as Manchester City weigh move for France right-back

Chelsea are demanding £75 million for right-back Malo Gusto, with Manchester City among the clubs to have registered interest in the France international this summer.

The Blues do not actively want to sell Gusto, whom they regard as a valued squad member, but would be prepared to listen to offers if their asking price is met. The 23-year-old is understood to be open to leaving Stamford Bridge, and several clubs beyond City are also believed to be tracking his situation.

Gusto joined Chelsea from Lyon for approximately £30 million in 2023 and made an immediate impression under Mauricio Pochettino in his debut season, though his progress slowed under Enzo Maresca. He has made 134 appearances for the club across three seasons but has not always been a regular starter given the presence of captain Reece James.

A move to the Etihad Stadium would potentially reunite Gusto with Maresca, who is widely expected to be confirmed as Manchester City’s new manager in the coming days following Pep Guardiola’s departure. Should he make the switch, Gusto would likely compete with Matheus Nunes for the right-back berth.

Chelsea face pressure to raise funds this summer to comply with financial regulations, particularly after missing out on European competition for the second time in four seasons. Their defensive department is considered overstocked, making it a probable area for departures. Incoming head coach Xabi Alonso will inherit options including Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Mamadou Sarr, Aaron Anselmino, and Josh Acheampong.

Separately, Chelsea are understood to have agreed a deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, a 21-year-old with two Italy caps who made 37 Serie A appearances on loan at Cagliari last season. The move comes after the club missed out on Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet in January, who chose to join Liverpool.

Gusto was in action for France on Monday, featuring in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Iraq.