Why Chelsea May Have To Lower Malo Gusto Asking Price Amid Man City's Transfer Stance | OneFootball

What to expect from the remainder of Chelsea's summer transfer window. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

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Chelsea are open to selling Malo Gusto this summer, but his price tag has fended off potential suitors.

Gusto is in a complicated situation at Chelsea.

He is technically still behind Reece James in the right-back pecking order. However, since James’ minutes on the pitch were cautiously managed last season due to his injury record, Gusto ended up featuring quite regularly.

Gusto made 34 Premier League appearances last season, 26 of which were as a starter. James, in comparison, made 29 league appearances with 20 starts.

It is also worth noting that some of Gusto’s minutes were as a midfielder under former head coach Enzo Maresca. The arrivals of Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson at Chelsea likely eliminate the need for Gusto’s presence in midfield.

More importantly, Gusto is no longer the clear number two right-back in the team following Marco Palestra’s arrival.

The former Atalanta defender has had a head start in pre-season, given that both Gusto and James remain on extended leave after representing their countries at the World Cup.

Chelsea are demanding a hefty fee for Gusto

According to RMC Sport, Chelsea have made it clear they would be willing to let Gusto leave this summer for a satisfactory offer.

Gusto will hope to resolve his future in the coming weeks once he reports back for pre-season. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The price tag is reported to be £75 million, more than double the £30.7m Chelsea paid to Lyon for Gusto back in January 2023.

Several clubs are understood to have made enquiries in recent weeks, but none have entered negotiations due to Chelsea’s high valuation, which many consider to be well above the market rate.

Manchester City, who have appointed Maresca to succeed Pep Guardiola, are said to be among the clubs to have shown interest in Gusto.

Like others, Manchester City are also not prepared to meet Chelsea’s price despite Maresca’s appreciation for his former player.

What are Chelsea’s options?

Chelsea’s stance may indicate that they are not fully interested in offloading Gusto, who is under contract until 2030.

Despite Palestra’s signing, it makes sense if Chelsea want to keep another reliable right-back in the squad given James’ injury record.

That said, keeping all three players happy with their minutes will likely prove a challenge for Xabi Alonso.

Another option is, of course, to lower the asking price.

Chelsea could then replace Gusto with another right-back who would be content with a limited role or let young centre-back Josh Acheampong provide some cover in this position.

Acheampong had a lot of experience as a right-back in the academy, so he could provide cover when needed.