Defender Gusto considering Chelsea future
Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club placing a £75m price tag on the full-back.
The 23-year-old right-back's future has come under renewed doubt after Chelsea agreed a deal in principle to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra, who plays in the same position, for a fee in excess of £43m.
Gusto was aware his future was uncertain before that move, and sources have told BBC Sport that his representatives have held exploratory talks with multiple clubs, including Manchester City.
However, Chelsea are demanding in excess of £75m for the Frenchman.
City are keen on signing a right-back to compete with Matheus Nunes next season, but sources have told BBC Sport that, while there is interest in Gusto, he is not a leading candidate at this stage of the transfer window.
Any move to Etihad Stadium would mean Gusto reuniting with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, whom he played under for 18 months before the Italian's departure from Stamford Bridge in January.
Chelsea need to make significant player sales this summer after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season and missing out on European qualification.
Spain full-back Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid this summer in a deal worth £52m.
The La Liga club are also interested in midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who they have pushed to the top of their shortlist following Jose Mourinho's appointment at the Bernabeu.
However, Chelsea value the Argentina international at £120m.
Chelsea intend to strengthen the squad and want at least one centre-back to arrive alongside Palestra.
That has placed a number of futures in doubt, including those of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana.
Chalobah is attracting interest from Serie A side Como, who qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-place finish under manager Cesc Fabregas.
It is understood Chalobah is open to the move, but the potential cost of the deal is deterring the Italians from making a formal offer.
Man City seek competition for Nunes
Sources at City have distanced themselves from a move for Gusto, possibly because of the £75m figure that has been quoted by Chelsea.
But there is no doubt that the club view a new right-back as a possibility this summer.
Reports in Italy recently suggested City had agreed personal terms with Marco Palestra, though that did not materialise, and instead Chelsea have swooped to sign the highly-rated right-back from Atalanta.
City have been without a natural right-back since Kyle Walker left the club in January 2025, and Nunes, 28, has excelled in the position after being converted from midfield.
The Portugal international scored one goal and provided seven assists in the Premier League last season and, such were his performances, then manager Pep Guardiola said Nunes was becoming "one of the best right-backs in the world".
But having deployed a makeshift right-back all of last season, City are now eyeing the profile of a young player in that position, one who is a natural fit and can grow into the role in the future.
A move for Newcastle and England right-back Tino Livramento has been ruled out, while there were links with Tottenham's Pedro Porro, but the Spaniard has signed a new deal at the club.
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