Manchester City have been priced out of a move for Malo Gusto after Chelsea placed a £75million valuation on the France international.
City have been long-term admirers of the 23-year-old, with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca keen on a reunion at the Etihad Stadium.
However, The Athletic’s Sam Lee reports that City have been priced out of a deal, leaving Chelsea’s aggressive valuation looking increasingly significant.
The Blues have never actively pushed Gusto towards the exit despite spending heavily to sign Marco Palestra this summer.
🚨 Man City were priced out of a move for Malo Gusto.
(@SamLee) #CFC pic.twitter.com/wAaSvGxY2z
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) August 18, 2026
Chelsea’s £75m Malo Gusto stance pays off
Chelsea’s position has been clear since City’s interest first emerged.
Standard Sport reported that the Blues value Gusto at £75m and regard him as a valued squad member, despite increased competition following Palestra’s arrival.
That represents a potential £44m increase on the roughly £31m Chelsea paid Lyon for Gusto in 2023.
Manchester City have baulked at those demands.
Earlier reporting also suggested City would not come close to Chelsea’s £75m valuation, despite Maresca knowing Gusto well from their time together at Stamford Bridge.
For Chelsea, pricing City out removes an awkward problem.
Palestra’s arrival inevitably created questions over Gusto’s place in Xabi Alonso’s squad, but the Frenchman remains capable of playing at right-back or wing-back and provided an assist for Joao Pedro against Real Sociedad.
Keeping that depth becomes increasingly valuable while Chelsea reshape other areas of the defence.
Benoit Badiashile is already heading towards a Napoli medical as Alonso cuts Chelsea’s defensive numbers.
Gusto does not need to join that clearout.
Chelsea have effectively told City that only an exceptional offer will change their position, and the response from Manchester appears clear.
Unless Chelsea dramatically lower their demands, Maresca’s reunion with Gusto looks increasingly unlikely.
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