€87m Chelsea star agrees to join Man City

News

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto has reportedly agreed to join Manchester City this summer as he targets a reunion with former boss Enzo Maresca.

The France right-back, who is currently on international duty at the World Cup, has been a key player for Chelsea since his arrival from Lyon back in 2023, but a move away from Stamford Bridge could be on the cards before the end of the summer transfer window.

Gusto made 49 appearances across all competitions last season, registering eight goal contributions, however Xabi Alonso’s side are on the verge of formally announcing the arrival of Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra and he could be sold in order to free up space for the Italy international.

Gusto isn’t regarded as one of Chelsea’s ‘untouchables’, but the club aren’t willing to let him leave for a cheap fee, with rumours suggesting that it will take €86.7 million (£75m) to successfully lure him away from west London this summer.

This is far higher than his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €45.9m, however Man City remain keen to finalise a deal and talks over a prospective deal are expected to take place shortly.

The aforementioned Maresca has been chosen as Pep Guardiola’s replacement by the City hierarchy, despite the fact his appointment has not yet been publicly announced, and he is keen to bring Gusto to the Etihad Stadium before the start of next season.

The Frenchman has been earmarked as a priority transfer target by City and he has agreed to join the club this summer, according to a bombshell report from Foot Mercato.

Gusto is keen to work under Maresca again and Man City are now ready to engage in formal talks with Chelsea over a transfer fee, which may prove difficult considering the 23-year-old’s contract at Stamford Bridge isn’t due to expire until 2030.

Will Chelsea sell Malo Gusto to Man City?

Kai Havertz and Mason Mount are proof that Clearlake Capital are willing to sell Chelsea stars to their Premier League rivals if a suitable offer is received, and there is little to suggest that a deal for Gusto would be ruled out either.

The Frenchman has been a good player for the Blues, but his lack of defensive concentration was a key issue during the final stages of the dreadful 2025-26 season and with Palestra arriving, there is a sense that Gusto will be allowed to leave.

Furthermore, if Chelsea are able to tempt Man City into submitting a bid worth €86.7m, then it would represent a huge transfer success given he arrived from Lyon for a mere €30m.

If Gusto does leave Stamford Bridge, it’s expected that Reece James and Palestra would share duties at right-back. Meanwhile, the Frenchman would compete with Matheus Nunes for a starting berth at Man City.