Blues valuation gap threatens deal
Manchester City have set a maximum fee of £45 million for Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto, according to reports, leaving a significant gap between the two clubs' valuations.
The 23-year-old France international is a target for the Etihad this summer, but City are unwilling to meet Chelsea's £75 million asking price. The London club are said to be open to selling if their valuation is met, though no club has yet come close.
Following the end of the Pep Guardiola era, sporting director Hugo Viana is focused on equipping incoming manager Enzo Maresca with a specialist right-back capable of challenging and rotating with Matheus Nunes. City have already demonstrated their financial muscle this summer, finalising a club-record £116 million deal for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, but there is no intention of overpaying for what are considered secondary positions.
The search for premium defensive depth has led to a thorough review of the market in recent weeks. Tottenham's Pedro Porro had been considered before the Spaniard signed a new contract extension in North London.
Feyenoord's Givairo Read remains a leading candidate, though Bayern Munich are also interested in the 20-year-old Dutchman, who would likely command a far more accessible fee. Maresca may prefer to add immediate Premier League quality to his squad, which keeps Gusto in the picture.
Complicating matters further, Chelsea are also closing in on a €55 million deal for Atalanta's Marco Palestra, the Serie A Defender of the Year, though the London club's willingness to compromise on their asking price for Gusto remains unclear.
The £45 million cap represents a firm boundary. If Todd Boehly's boardroom refuses to budge, Viana is seemingly prepared to walk away from any discussions over the France international, with City potentially pivoting directly toward Read as an alternative.