Malo Gusto’s representatives hold preliminary talks over Manchester City transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City are among a number of clubs in contact with the representatives of Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, though the Frenchman is not currently a leading target in City’s right-back recruitment, as per a new report.

Gusto has spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge since arriving from Lyon in 2023, establishing himself as one of the more technically assured right-backs in the Premier League and raising his stock by representing France at the ongoing FIFA World Cup in North America.

His potential availability this summer is understood to have attracted interest from multiple clubs across Europe, with his representatives now in open dialogue as the transfer window gains momentum.

The development is of particular relevance to Manchester City, who have operated without a natural, established right-back in their squad following a period of upheaval in that position under Pep Guardiola but are keen to arm incoming manager Enzo Maresca with a fresh option.

Report: City have held talks with Gusto’s camp

According to BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, Gusto’s camp has held exploratory talks with multiple clubs – City among them – although the 23-year-old does not currently rank as a leading right-back candidate for Etihad Stadium director of football Hugo Viana and co at this stage of the window.

Exploratory contact via a player’s representatives is a routine feature of the summer market and Kinsella’s phrasing suggests City are keeping abreast of Gusto’s situation rather than actively pursuing a deal at this point.

Whether that position changes as the window progresses – and as City’s wider recruitment picture becomes clearer – remains to be seen.

What would Gusto bring and is a move likely this summer?

Gusto offers the kind of athleticism, technical quality and defensive intelligence that would fit comfortably within Maresca‘s system, having spent his early years in English football playing under the 46-year-old Italian, who demanded intensity and precision from his full-backs in both phases of the game.

That shared history with Maresca adds a layer of intrigue to any potential pursuit, though the primary obstacle at this stage appears to be one of priority rather than profile.

City are understood to be focused on other areas of the squad first, with the right-back position not yet commanding the same urgency as midfield and attacking recruitment.

Chelsea’s own stance on Gusto – and the defender’s own desire – will also be a determining factor should City’s interest evolve beyond the exploratory phase that has so far been reported.