Manchester City are keeping tabs on Malo Gusto but have made it clear they won't be meeting Chelsea's apparent £75million asking price for the right-back, according to sources.
Enzo Maresca is in the market for a new right-back this summer after taking over at the Etihad. Last season, the Blues got by without a recognised starter in that position, with Matheus Nunes filling in from midfield and Rico Lewis seeing limited game time.
Lewis could be on his way out this summer, which has pushed Maresca towards raiding his old club for Gusto. The pair worked together at Stamford Bridge, where the Frenchman made 72 appearances under the Italian, scoring twice and assisting six times.
Speaking on Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, a source said: “Chelsea are demanding a huge figure for him right now, there's been talk of around £75million and Man City don't want to pay that.”
“But if there is an indication that the player is ready to make the move, you would expect things to ramp up, especially after the World Cup is over with France.”
Gusto made a late appearance in France's 2-0 quarter-final win over Morocco and could feature against Spain in the semi-final next week.
Open to a deal
Sources have indicated Chelsea are open to letting Gusto go for the right price, so a deal could still happen if the two clubs agree on a fee. Maresca is believed to be pushing for the move, having already overseen several transfers since his appointment was confirmed last month.
The 23-year-old has been weighing up his future in recent weeks, with Chelsea moving to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra as competition at right-back.
Speaking about Gusto back in November, Maresca said: “Malo is in consistent form. We have said many times Malo is a main player in the way we want to play. He can play in different positions.”
“We like players who we can be dynamic with. Malo is one of them. We are very happy with Malo. I can say that since I joined the club, I have considered Malo a main player for us.”