Chelsea have reportedly increased their asking price for Malo Gusto to £75 million amid rumours that Enzo Maresca wants to sign the right-back for Manchester City. The development comes as Xabi Alonso closes in on his first signing at Stamford Bridge, with Marco Palestra set to join from Atalanta in a deal worth upwards of £43 million.
Gusto's future in doubt after Palestra signing
The addition of Palestra has thrown into question the future of Gusto, who has been an important and versatile member of the Chelsea squad for the past three seasons. The 23-year-old, signed by Mauricio Pochettino, has made 134 appearances for the Blues, winning the Club World Cup and Conference League under Maresca.
Gusto is currently at the World Cup with France, and there is interest from elsewhere in Europe. It is not known whether he is interested in a transfer.
Maresca to replace Guardiola at City
Maresca is expected to be announced as Pep Guardiola's successor at Manchester City very soon, once a settlement agreement with Chelsea is reached. It was rumoured this week that Maresca is keen on reuniting with Gusto at the Etihad. City are aiming to sign a new right-back and had previously shown interest in Palestra.
Chelsea are open to selling Gusto, and initial reports suggested that an offer of at least £40 million would be accepted, ensuring a small profit on the £31 million spent on the former Lyon defender. However, the Daily Mail now reports that Chelsea's valuation of Gusto is much higher at £75 million.
Price tag frustrates City after record signing
The price tag will no doubt frustrate City, who have just splashed a record £116 million on Nottingham Forest and England star Elliott Anderson. While Gusto's Chelsea future is uncertain, the same cannot be said for teammate Josh Acheampong.
The young defender has been the subject of much transfer interest and has struggled for minutes at Stamford Bridge, both at right-back and centre-back. The arrival of Palestra would further limit the 20-year-old's game time, but Chelsea now view Acheampong exclusively as a centre-back and he remains one of the club's 'untouchable' players.
Alonso's formation plans hinted
This stance, along with Palestra's signing and the pursuit of Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix, strongly hints that Alonso plans to implement his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation that he used to great success at Bayer Leverkusen. Chelsea will take on local rivals Fulham in their opening game of the 2026/27 Premier League season on August 24.
