Manchester City are making moves in the summer transfer window and are set to add a defender to their squad for Enzo Maresca's arrival
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 27: Elliot Anderson #8 of England looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and England at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Elliot Anderson is set to join Manchester City(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
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Malo Gusto has agreed to join Manchester City from Chelsea this summer, despite the two clubs appearing to be significantly apart in their valuations. French international Gusto could link up with former Blues manager Enzo Maresca if he is appointed at the Etihad, as widely anticipated.
Gusto could yet mark City's second successful move of the summer, as they prepare to confirm Elliot Anderson's transfer from Nottingham Forest. The England star could complete his move in the coming days after City came to a £116million agreement with the Midlands club.
While Chelsea are understood to have placed a £75m price tag on Gusto, reports emerging from France suggest he has sent encouraging signals to Manchester City's hierarchy on his willingness to move north from London. The FA Cup holders are said to have made Gusto one of their primary targets to bolster their right flank.
City face competition from other clubs and have little desire to meet Chelsea's asking price at this stage. City also showed interest in Marco Palestra before the west London club made their decisive move.
Palestra is set to be confirmed as Chelsea's first signing of the summer and will add to Xabi Alonso's extensive options on the right side. The Spaniard will also be able to call upon Reece James and Josh Acheampong, meaning Gusto could be available at the right price.
James is Chelsea's captain, while the club have also confirmed that Acheampong is not for sale this summer, leaving Gusto's future at Stamford Bridge in doubt.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 26: Malo Gusto of France applauds the fans after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and France at Boston Stadium on June 26, 2026 in Foxborough, United States. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Malo Gusto is said to have agreed a deal with Manchester City(Image: Richard Sellers/Allstar, Getty Images)
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The French full-back was a firm favourite of Maresca during his tenure in London and featured 72 times during his 18 months at the helm. While he arrived at the club as an attacking full-back hugging the touchline, Maresca also deployed him in a more inverted role.
A £45m bid could be sufficient for Chelsea to let go of the defender, who is currently competing at the World Cup.
Speaking last summer, Gusto praised Maresca's influence at Chelsea ahead of the Club World Cup final. "He's a top coach and that's why we're in the final, because of him – that includes getting into the Champions League for next season," he said.
"He created a good team, good energy between us, so we are very happy.
"He's very detailed. He watches the team we face and focuses a lot on us, like how we're going to build, how we're going to press and the patterns we have to create between us. It helps us a lot.
"I think Maresca has added details – to think quickly, to defend together, to enjoy defending. Even many things about set-pieces. There are many details."