{"id":17149,"date":"2026-07-14T07:06:22","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T07:06:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17149"},"modified":"2026-07-14T07:06:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T07:06:22","slug":"chelsea-demand-for-malo-gusto-too-excessive-for-man-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=17149","title":{"rendered":"Chelsea demand for Malo Gusto too excessive for Man City"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Manchester City\u2019s search for a specialist right-back has become one of the key stories of Enzo Maresca\u2019s first transfer window at the Etihad.
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The new manager wants a defender who can contribute in possession, move into advanced areas and adapt between different structures without disrupting the team\u2019s rhythm.<\/p>\n

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A reunion with a player Maresca previously coached at Chelsea would reduce the usual adaptation period.<\/p>\n

However, the significant difference between the clubs\u2019 valuations means City must decide whether to increase their offer or move quickly towards a more affordable alternative.<\/p>\n

Chelsea full-back open to a move to Man City<\/h2>\n

Sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside<\/strong> <\/em>that Man City have identified Malo Gusto as one of their leading defensive targets and believe the France international would be open to joining them.<\/p>\n

City have considered an offer in the region of \u20ac45m, but Chelsea are demanding approximately \u00a375m for the 23-year-old.<\/p>\n

The price gap remains the biggest obstacle. City Xtra reports that City will not meet Chelsea\u2019s current valuation, although further discussions are expected after the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Chelsea are not completely against a sale, but they will only negotiate seriously if their financial expectations are respected.<\/p>\n

Gusto\u2019s familiarity with Maresca\u2019s methods is a major attraction. He made 72 appearances under the Italian at Stamford Bridge, producing two goals and six assists, so City would be signing someone who already understands the manager\u2019s tactical demands.<\/p>\n

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High valuation could force City towards other targets<\/h2>\n

Chelsea hold a strong negotiating position because Gusto remains under a long-term contract and they have little reason to strengthen a domestic rival cheaply.<\/p>\n

His versatility and Premier League experience also make him more valuable than an unproven overseas option.<\/p>\n

But City consider Chelsea\u2019s demand \u2018excessive\u2018 and they may now turn their attention towards other targets.<\/p>\n

City could consider Newcastle\u2019s Tino Livramento, Feyenoord youngster Givairo Read or Porto\u2019s Martim Fernandes if Chelsea refuse to compromise.<\/p>\n

Gusto would be an excellent tactical signing for Maresca, but \u00a375m is too much. City need a natural right-back, yet paying a premium simply because the manager knows the player would be poor financial planning.<\/p>\n

Chelsea are entitled to protect their asset, especially when selling to a rival.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes\u201d \u2013 Alonso confirms his desire to work with player heavily linked with Chelsea exit<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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