Price tag proves a problem

Manchester City have reportedly pulled back from their pursuit of Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto, with the £75 million valuation proving a significant obstacle.

The 23-year-old Frenchman is well known to new City boss Enzo Maresca, having won the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League under him at Chelsea. That relationship has been the driving force behind City's multiple enquiries, but it appears not enough to get a deal over the line.

According to The Athletic's Sam Lee, the price is simply too high for City, and unless Chelsea shift their stance significantly, the Blues will have to look elsewhere.

Gusto has made 134 appearances since his £31 million move from Lyon in 2023 and has established himself as one of Chelsea's most talented players, particularly while Reece James has struggled with injuries. His contract runs until 2030, which explains why the London club feel little pressure to negotiate.

Right-back options already at the Etihad

City already have Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis capable of playing at right-back, though both can drift into midfield. Nunes was originally signed as a central midfielder from Wolves in 2023 before Pep Guardiola converted him into a replacement for Kyle Walker. The Portugal international admitted to struggling with the transition initially — a low point coming in a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in January — but has improved significantly since.

Lewis fell out of favour under Guardiola during his final season, but Maresca is giving everyone a clean slate. Even Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips, both returning from loan spells, will feature during City's pre-season tour of Asia.

Gusto would likely leapfrog Nunes in Maresca's preferred line-up, given his age and prior relationship with the manager. But sporting director Hugo Viana will not sanction the deal without some negotiation on the fee, and at £75 million, there is simply no way forward unless Chelsea budge.

City have already been active this summer, signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, while also pushing hard for Morocco international Ayyoub Bouaddi. Approaches have also been made for Jeremy Monga from Maresca's former club Leicester City. But for now, Gusto remains a bridge too far.