Manchester City appear to have identified their target in the search for right-back reinforcements, with reports suggesting personal terms have been agreed with Chelsea's Malo Gusto.
Matheus Nunes carried a heavy load last season as City's first-choice option in the position. Adding cover and genuine competition for the Portuguese international has become a priority for Enzo Maresca this summer.
According to FootMercato's Santi Aouna, City have reached an agreement with Gusto over personal terms. The French international is reportedly keen to reunite with Maresca, having played a key role in the Italian's Chelsea side.
Whether a deal can actually be completed is another matter. Gusto is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030, which hands Chelsea significant leverage. Graeme Bailey of TeamTalk reports the London club would demand well over £60 million to sanction a sale, while City are hopeful of landing him for around £50 million.
What Gusto would bring
The 23-year-old has already proven himself in the Premier League and would offer something slightly different to Nunes. Gusto's game is built around overlapping runs and delivery from wide areas, with his crossing a potential weapon in this City side.
He covers ground well on both sides of the ball and is an exceptional dribbler for a full-back — another attacking option Maresca could call upon. There were occasions at Chelsea where Gusto inverted into midfield from right-back, though his real strength remains as an overlapping option.
He is not without flaws. Concentration lapses in defensive situations have been a recurring issue, and he could be stronger in challenges. The hope would be that an elite environment at City would help iron those out as he matures.
Gusto ticks plenty of boxes for what City need from a right-back. But with Chelsea holding a strong negotiating position and a significant gap between valuation and offer, this one could run for a while yet.