Manchester City saw Pep Guardiola step down in May and are in the process of appointing his successor.
Enzo Maresca is set to be the new manager at the Etihad. Manchester City are yet to confirm his arrival, but are already working on strengthening their squad.
The Premier League side are on the verge of signing Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and are making advances to improve other areas.
This includes the right-back position and City have identified Chelsea’s Malo Gusto as one of their main targets.
Manchester City making advances for Gusto
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who state the club have made advances by contacting the France international to understand his stance on a summer move.
The 23-year-old’s response has been positive and he’s agreed to join Manchester City, to reunite with Enzo Maresca.
He played 72 matches under the Italian at Stamford Bridge. The latter’s impending move to the Etihad has been the main selling point to convince the former Lyon man.
Malo Gusto maintains a good relationship with Maresca and is confident of having a key role in his plans in Manchester.
Having taken a significant step in the operation, Manchester City have to agree terms with Chelsea, which will be difficult.
The Blues have several players attracting interest, including Gusto, who has a contract until 2030. This gives them the upper hand during the negotiations.
Our take: Why Chelsea could sell
Reece James and Malo Gusto were the two right-backs at Stamford Bridge last season.
The Blues are edging closer towards signing Atalanta’s Marco Palestra, who has already travelled to the UK for a medical. He is likely to compete with James for a place in the starting lineup next season.
Gusto will drop down the pecking order, and it’s best for Chelsea to cash in from his sale rather than leave him on the bench or in the stands.