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Man City Eye Malo Gusto as Enzo Maresca Shapes New Era

Maresca Targets Familiar Face for Manchester City

Manchester City are preparing for a significant summer rebuild, and one of the first names emerging on their shortlist is Chelsea defender Malo Gusto. According to TalkSport, the Premier League giants are interested in bringing the French international to the Etihad Stadium, with incoming manager Enzo Maresca keen to reunite with a player he knows well.

Maresca has agreed a three year deal to succeed Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard’s departure at the end of last season. With a new managerial era beginning, attention is quickly turning towards recruitment, and Gusto appears to fit the profile of the players City want to build around.

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TalkSport reports that Chelsea value the right back at £75million. While the London club are not actively looking to sell, City’s admiration is shared by several leading clubs across Europe, creating the possibility of competition should negotiations develop.

Gusto Fits City’s Long Term Vision

Manchester City’s need for additional depth on the right side of defence is understandable. Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis have both featured in the position, but neither is regarded as a specialist full back in the traditional sense.

Gusto would offer pace, athleticism and experience despite being only 23 years old. Having signed from Lyon in January 2023, he still has four years remaining on his Chelsea contract, placing the Blues in a strong negotiating position.

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The defender flourished under Maresca, making 72 appearances during their time together. He also helped Chelsea lift both the Conference League and Club World Cup during the Italian’s only full season in charge.

Last season alone, Gusto featured 49 times across all competitions, highlighting both his durability and importance. He is currently with France at the World Cup and earned his 12th international cap from the bench during Monday’s victory over Iraq.

Summer Plans Continue to Gather Pace

City’s recruitment drive is extending beyond defence. TalkSport also reports that Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is expected to complete a move after an earlier £121million bid was rejected.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has reportedly emerged as a serious target for Real Madrid, adding another layer to an intriguing transfer window involving both clubs.

There will also be departures at the Etihad. Bernardo Silva and John Stones are both due to leave when their contracts expire later this month, creating opportunities for Maresca to reshape his squad.

If City’s interest in Gusto develops into a formal approach, Chelsea will face a major decision. “Manchester City are interested in signing Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, talkSPORT understands.”

With Maresca leading a new project, familiar faces may prove valuable as City attempt to return to the Premier League summit.

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Enzo Maresca will naturally want players who understand his coaching methods, training standards and tactical demands. Gusto ticks those boxes and would arrive at an age where his best years are still ahead of him.

City supporters have seen Rico Lewis develop brilliantly, while Matheus Nunes has adapted well when required, but neither offers the complete package that Gusto could bring over a full Premier League campaign. Healthy competition often produces the best performances, and adding another high quality option would strengthen the squad considerably.

The reported £75million valuation is substantial, yet City have consistently shown they are prepared to invest heavily in players they believe fit the long term strategy. If Maresca has identified Gusto as a priority, the club’s recruitment team will likely give that recommendation serious consideration.

Fans will also recognise that this summer marks the beginning of a fresh chapter. Guardiola’s departure closes one of the greatest periods in the club’s history, and replacing iconic figures such as Bernardo Silva and John Stones requires careful planning. Bringing in players already trusted by the new manager could help accelerate that transition.

Whether Chelsea are willing to negotiate remains another question entirely, but from City’s viewpoint, Gusto looks like the type of signing capable of making an immediate impact while serving the club for many years to come.