By Azuka, Betandsured
MANCHESTER, June 24 Incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is pushing for a reunion with Chelsea defender Malo Gusto as he begins to shape his squad ahead of the new season, betandsured understands.
Maresca, who agreed a three year deal to replace the departing Pep Guardiola, is eager to bring the 23 year old France international to the Etihad Stadium. City are willing to listen to offers in excess of £40 million for the right back, who made 49 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea last season.
Gusto has four years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge, having joined from Lyon in January 2023. He previously made 72 appearances under Maresca during the Italian’s time at Chelsea and was part of the side that won the Conference League and Club World Cup in his only full season as manager.
The potential reunion comes as City prepare for a busy summer following a season in which they finished seven points adrift of Premier League champions Arsenal, despite winning both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup. Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis are currently City’s established options at right back heading into the 2026/27 campaign.
Chelsea’s willingness to listen to offers for Gusto follows City’s earlier interest in Enzo Fernandez, who has become a serious target for Real Madrid. The Blues are also on the verge of signing a right back this summer, having hijacked Inter Milan’s move for Marco Palestra.
Gusto is currently part of France’s World Cup squad in North America, winning his 12th cap off the bench in Monday’s victory over Iraq. His international commitments are unlikely to delay a potential transfer, with City expected to move quickly once the tournament concludes.
Elsewhere, City are closing in on the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, having seen a £121 million bid rejected before agreeing improved terms. The England international is expected to complete a move to the Etihad as part of a wider squad overhaul that will also see Bernardo Silva and John Stones leave when their contracts expire at the end of the month.
Maresca’s return to City, where he previously served as a coach under Guardiola, marks the beginning of a new era at the club. The Italian’s pursuit of Gusto signals his intent to strengthen a defence that has been a cornerstone of City’s success, and the reunion with a player he knows well could prove a shrewd early move in the summer window.
