Manchester City have received a significant boost in their pursuit of a new right-back, with Malo Gusto reportedly agreeing to join the club this summer should a fee be agreed with Chelsea.
According to Footmercato's Santi Aouna, the 23-year-old French full-back has given a positive response to City's interest, paving the way for negotiations between the two Premier League sides.
Maresca reunion on the cards
The incoming Etihad manager, Enzo Maresca, is said to have a very good relationship with Gusto and wants to make him a key part of his new project in Manchester. The defender himself is keen on reuniting with the Italian, though convincing Chelsea to sell will be no straightforward task.
City's recruitment team have been running the rule over several right-back options during the opening weeks of the summer window. Feyenoord's Givairo Read has been checked, while Tottenham's Pedro Porro was looked at before signing a long-term extension in north London.
But Gusto's tactical familiarity with Maresca's patterns has consistently kept him at the top of incoming sporting director Hugo Viana's target list.
The player is currently focused on representing France at the World Cup in North America, with his camp simultaneously trying to sort out his club future ahead of the knockout rounds.
Valuation gap
The ultimate outcome rests entirely on whether Chelsea come down from their reported £75 million valuation. City are understood to be closer to the £45 million mark, and if the London club refuse to budge, Viana is likely to pivot to cheaper alternatives.
Chelsea have already secured a replacement, finalising a €55 million deal for Atalanta's Marco Palestra, meaning they possess the depth to let Gusto depart if their valuation is satisfied.
Should a deal fail to materialise, Matheus Nunes could retain the first-choice right-back slot for the forthcoming season.