Manchester City's quest to strengthen at right-back appears to be taking a new direction this summer. The Blues had been heavily linked with Atalanta's highly-rated young defender Marco Palestra, but reports now suggest that the Italian international is closing in on a move to Inter Milan instead.
According to transfer journalist Matteo Moretto, Inter and Atalanta are nearing an agreement worth around €50 million for Palestra. The 21-year-old ticks many boxes for City — he is comfortable in possession, technically sound, and offers defensive solidity with room to develop. However, with that deal seemingly slipping away, City's recruitment team must now turn their attention elsewhere.
One name that has emerged as a potential alternative is Chelsea's Malo Gusto. Simon Phillips, a Chelsea-focused reporter, has stated via his Substack that Gusto's agent has been in discussions with several clubs, including Manchester City and Inter Milan. Crucially, it is understood that Gusto shares a close relationship with City boss Enzo Maresca, who is reportedly driving the club's interest in the Frenchman.
Gusto, 23, is a different profile to Palestra. He excels going forward, using his pace to overlap and deliver dangerous crosses into the box — attributes that could thrive in Maresca's attacking system. Technically tidy in possession, Gusto would offer City an energetic outlet on the right flank, particularly in matches where the Blues dominate the ball.
However, there are question marks over his defensive work. Standing at 178 centimetres, Gusto can struggle aerially and has occasionally been caught out of position. While he is not a defensive liability, he would need to sharpen that side of his game to meet the demands of a title-chasing side like City.
Gusto wouldn't be a headline-grabbing signing, but he could prove a useful squad option — especially given his familiarity with Maresca's methods. Whether City push ahead with a formal approach remains to be seen, but with Palestra seemingly off the table, the search for a right-back continues.
For now, City fans will be watching closely to see which direction the club takes. Gusto offers attacking thrust but defensive concerns linger. Could there be another target waiting in the wings?