Window quiet, but not empty
The summer transfer window has gone quiet while the World Cup reaches its business end, but Manchester City have already brought in Elliot Anderson, Pierce Charles, Mathys Detourbet and Jeremy Monga. There is still work to do, though. Enzo Maresca’s squad needs strengthening at right-back, in midfield and potentially out wide.
Plans for the final weeks of business are becoming clearer. And at right-back, at least, the picture is sharpening up.
Gusto emerges as the primary option
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, City have been given the ‘green light’ to move for Chelsea’s Malo Gusto. Maresca has identified the French international as his top target to bolster the right-back position. City have held talks with Gusto’s representatives over a potential summer move to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners.
With Chelsea having signed Marco Palestra from Atalanta and still having Reece James at the club, they may be willing to sell Gusto this summer.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano reports that Nottingham Forest have seen a €17.5 million bid for Givairo Read rejected by Feyenoord. Read had previously been named as a City target. Forest are expected to return with an improved offer.
Palestra, another right-back City were linked with, has now completed his move from Atalanta to Chelsea. The list of available options is shrinking.
What happens next
Based on how the market is playing out, Gusto looks to be the player City want to provide cover and competition for Matheus Nunes. With Gusto at the World Cup with France — a semi-final and one other match still to play — there is unlikely to be any substantial movement until the tournament ends.
It now remains to be seen if that is what transpires this summer.