Fabrizio Romano issues key clarification on Manchester City’s pursuit of Chelsea defender Malo Gusto | OneFootball

Manchester City have not yet opened concrete talks with Chelsea for right-back Malo Gusto despite incoming manager Enzo Maresca holding a ‘very good’ relationship with the player, as per a new report.

Gusto, 23, established himself as one of the Premier League‘s more progressive right-backs during Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, with the Italian coach understood to have appreciated the Frenchman’s forward-thinking style and technical qualities throughout their time working together.

City’s need for a right-back this summer is well-documented, with the Blues navigating a significant rebuild under Maresca as director of football Hugo Viana continues to shape the squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Gusto link carries an added layer of complexity given that Chelsea and Manchester City are yet to resolve the ongoing compensation dispute over Maresca’s own departure from Stamford Bridge – an unresolved matter that has already delayed a formal announcement of his appointment at the Etihad Stadium.

Romano: No concrete negotiations opened despite Maresca appreciation

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Maresca’s connection with Gusto is genuine and well-established but City’s interest has not yet translated into formal dialogue, with no concrete talks or negotiations opened with Chelsea at this stage.

The distinction is a meaningful one, separating appreciation from pursuit – and suggesting City are at an early assessment phase rather than an active negotiation over Gusto, who would no doubt be tempted by the chance of reuniting with former boss Maresca.

What would Gusto bring to Manchester City?

Gusto fits the profile of a modern attacking full-back: a player comfortable contributing in both phases and capable of thriving in the kind of high-tempo, possession-based system Maresca implemented at Chelsea.

His familiarity with Maresca’s methods would in theory accelerate any adaptation period, removing one of the more unpredictable variables in a summer that will see City’s squad undergo considerable change.

Whether Viana opts to formalise that appreciation into a concrete approach – and whether the ongoing compensation backdrop between the two clubs complicates any such move – remains to be seen, but Romano’s update confirms Gusto is a name firmly on City’s radar as the summer window takes shape.