Chelsea
As per latest transfer news, Manchester City plan to renew their interest in Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto. A deal depends on Chelsea cutting the price that blocked talks.
Why City want Malo Gusto in January
As reported by TEAMtalk, City showed strong interest in the 23-year-old during the summer, but Chelsea’s asking price proved too high. Chelsea wanted around £70million, which would have broken the world record fee for a right-back, though some outlets quoted £75million. City were not willing to pay that much, so they walked away from the talks and looked elsewhere.
A £70million fee would have beaten the £57million Paris Saint-Germain paid for Achraf Hakimi by £13million, roughly 23 per cent. It would also be roughly 2.3 times the £31million or so Chelsea paid Lyon for Gusto in 2023. Any fee above £57million sets a new right-back record, so even a small cut would still leave a record deal.
Chelsea have lowered their demand since then, but City still want the fee to fall further. A fee near the £57million record looks fairer for a young defender who is still improving. Enzo Maresca coached Malo Gusto at Chelsea and now manages City, which helps explain the continued interest.
Gusto’s 2026/27 stats for Chelsea so far, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Matches Started Minutes played Defensive contributions Duels won%
Premier League 5 3 276 15 55.6%
EFL Cup 2 2 112 8 54.5%
Chelsea have enough depth to sell
Gusto has played regularly in the Premier League since then, making 34 league appearances last season and scoring twice. He is also under contract at Chelsea until 2030, which gives the club strong bargaining power on price. Liverpool also explored a loan in the summer, but Chelsea would only consider a permanent deal. For Chelsea, a sale near £60million would still be almost £30million above their original purchase price.
Playing time is the key question, because Reece James is first choice under Xabi Alonso. Chelsea also have Italian signing Marco Palestra and academy talent Josh Acheampong available to cover at right-back. Pedro Neto has played at right wing-back for much of the season, so the cover runs deep. That depth lets Chelsea listen to offers for the Frenchman if a bid reaches their new valuation. James is currently injured, but that is unlikely to put City off a move for Gusto. Chelsea expect their captain back in late January or early February, so the absence is short term.
Chelsea
What Gusto would add to City’s squad
Matheus Nunes has been City’s main right-back for two seasons, even though he is a midfielder by trade. He has coped well in a makeshift role, but a natural option would give City more balance. Gusto’s overlapping runs down the touchline would give City a wide threat on that side. That would let Maresca use Nunes in a more central role, which suits his midfield background. A second right-back would also give City cover during a long football season with games in several competitions.
The main obstacle is City’s financial rules case, because any penalty could limit their spending in January. One possible outcome is a recruitment ban, which would restrict their signings and could end the interest. If Chelsea cut their price again and City avoid a ban, a January move looks realistic. If either condition fails, City will likely reopen talks next summer, with Chelsea still holding the stronger hand.