Chelsea demand £75m for Malo Gusto as defender explores transfer options
Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after the club placed a £75m valuation on the Frenchman.
The 23-year-old’s future has been cast into doubt following the Blues’ agreement in principle to sign Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra for a fee exceeding £43m.
Representatives for the talented defender have already held exploratory talks with multiple clubs, including reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
However, the west London side are holding firm on their steep asking price before sanctioning an exit.
Manchester City seek defensive reinforcements
Manchester City are keen to recruit a natural right-back to challenge Matheus Nunes during the upcoming campaign.
Sources indicate that while the Etihad hierarchy hold an interest in Gusto, the £75m quotation means he is not currently their leading candidate.
Any switch to Manchester would see the French international reunite with Enzo Maresca, having previously played under the Italian manager for 18 months.
The Citizens have operated without a specialist in that role since Kyle Walker departed in January 2025, forcing Nunes to successfully adapt from his usual midfield berth.
The Portugal international provided seven assists last season, prompting high praise for his seamless positional transition.
Pep Guardiola said Nunes was becoming “one of the best right-backs in the world”.
Chelsea face squad overhaul pressure
Chelsea are under immense pressure to make significant player sales this summer following a disappointing 10th-place league finish that left them without European football.
The Stamford Bridge outfit have already allowed Spain international Marc Cucurella to join Real Madrid in a £52m deal, but further departures remain necessary.
Club officials intend to strengthen their defensive ranks further and are targeting at least one new centre-back to complement the impending arrival of Palestra.
This ongoing recruitment drive has placed several existing players in a precarious position, with Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Wesley Fofana all facing uncertain futures.
Chalobah is currently attracting strong interest from Serie A side Como, who remarkably secured Champions League qualification following a fourth-place finish under manager Cesc Fabregas.
While the academy graduate is reportedly open to relocating to Italy, the financial demands of the transfer are currently deterring the Italian side from submitting a formal offer.
