Maresca Targets Familiar Face for Manchester City
Manchester City are preparing for a significant summer rebuild, and one of the first names emerging on their shortlist is Chelsea defender Malo Gusto. According to TalkSport, the Premier League giants are interested in bringing the French international to the Etihad Stadium, with incoming manager Enzo Maresca keen to reunite with a player he knows well.
Maresca has agreed a three year deal to succeed Pep Guardiola following the Spaniard’s departure at the end of last season. With a new managerial era beginning, attention is quickly turning towards recruitment, and Gusto appears to fit the profile of the players City want to build around.
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TalkSport reports that Chelsea value the right back at £75million. While the London club are not actively looking to sell, City’s admiration is shared by several leading clubs across Europe, creating the possibility of competition should negotiations develop.
Gusto Fits City’s Long Term Vision
Manchester City’s need for additional depth on the right side of defence is understandable. Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis have both featured in the position, but neither is regarded as a specialist full back in the traditional sense.
Gusto would offer pace, athleticism and experience despite being only 23 years old. Having signed from Lyon in January 2023, he still has four years remaining on his Chelsea contract, placing the Blues in a strong negotiating position.
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The defender flourished under Maresca, making 72 appearances during their time together. He also helped Chelsea lift both the Conference League and Club World Cup during the Italian’s only full season in charge.
Last season alone, Gusto featured 49 times across all competitions, highlighting both his durability and importance. He is currently with France at the World Cup and earned his 12th international cap from the bench during Monday’s victory over Iraq.
Summer Plans Continue to Gather…
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