Manchester City are yet to officially appoint Enzo Maresca as their next manager, but the former Chelsea boss is expected to take over, and he is already looking to sign one of his old players.
After 10 years at the helm, Pep Guardiola is leaving Man City, and it is widely reported that Maresca will return to the Etihad to replace the Spaniard. Maresca worked under Guardiola before joining Leicester.
START, BENCH, SELL: Marc Cucurella, Reece James and Malo Gusto
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella coming on for Malo Gusto
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Maresca remains Chelsea’s most successful manager during BlueCo’s ownership, having won both the Conference League and the Club World Cup. Things got difficult when he publicly questioned the owners.
It saw Maresca forced to resign at the start of the year. The Italian had done well to paper over the cracks at Chelsea, but the appointment of Liam Rosenior undid those. Now, Maresca is back for revenge.
Enzo Maresca wants Malo Gusto at Manchester City
Set to become City’s new boss, Maresca is already working behind the scenes ahead of an important summer window for the Cityzens. According to TeamTalk, Maresca wants City to sign a Chelsea player.
Enzo Fernandez has been strongly linked with Man City ever since it emerged Maresca would take over from Guardiola. But as per the latest reports, the Italian wants to sign another Chelsea star this summer.
Chelsea v Leeds United - Emirates FA Cup Semi Final
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Indeed, Maresca wants Malo Gusto at The Etihad. While the right-back has been a key player recently, Chelsea fans are largely indifferent when it comes to the Frenchman, and City have now enquired.
However, City are not the only side to enquire the £31m Chelsea signing. Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich have also been in touch regarding a deal for the Chelsea right-back ahead of the summer.
Chelsea’s stance on Malo Gusto amid Man City interest
Earlier this summer, reports suggested that Chelsea would be open to the sale of Gusto if the right offer was tabled. Clearly, Chelsea’s price tag will be met for Gusto given the size of the clubs interested.
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Xabi Alonso's priority as Chelsea manager
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But the TeamTalk report states that, actually, Chelsea could offer Gusto new terms despite some fans’ opinion that the Frenchman is not good enough for Chelsea. The club feel Gusto fits Alonso’s style.
Gusto’s stance is unclear, but the chance to work under Maresca at Man City will surely tempt him. Especially given City lack options at right-back and it may give Gusto the chance to become first choice.
Currently, Gusto has a contract at Chelsea until the summer of 2029. The ball is in Chelsea’s court but without the added financial injection of European football, they will have to sell players this summer.
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