Chelsea Hold Firm on Gusto Despite Maresca's City Interest

Chelsea have slammed the door on a potential exit for Malo Gusto, rebuffing Manchester City's interest in the French right-back despite Enzo Maresca's enthusiasm for a reunion at the Etihad.

Maresca, who departed Stamford Bridge in January after revealing talks with City that ultimately landed him the role of Pep Guardiola's successor, has identified Gusto as his prime target to kick off his managerial tenure in Manchester. The incoming City boss is a vocal admirer of the 23-year-old's capabilities and reckons he could flourish in their system.

The appeal runs deeper than simple defensive prowess. Gusto's tactical flexibility – capable of operating as a traditional right-back, inverted wing-back, or drifting into midfield – holds particular attraction for Maresca. City have already lodged an enquiry following their manager's recommendation, and they're actively hunting for defensive reinforcement on the right flank.

Bayern Munich have similarly sniffed around the situation, tabling their own enquiry for the Frenchman. Yet Chelsea's stance is unambiguous: Gusto, valued at £75m, is not for sale.

The Blues have already reshuffled their defensive ranks considerably this window. Marc Cucurella departed for Real Madrid in a £52m deal, while Enzo Fernandez appears destined for the same destination. Meanwhile, Chelsea have splashed out on Atalanta's Marco Palestra, acquiring the right wing-back through a package exceeding €55m plus sell-on clauses – a move that has sparked speculation about Gusto's future prospects.

Yet despite Palestra's imminent arrival raising eyebrows about his standing under new manager Xabi Alonso, Gusto remains firmly in the club's plans. He started 38 matches across all competitions last season, frequently rotating with Reece James for the starting berth, and roughly half of those appearances came during Maresca's tenure.

The exit door remains open elsewhere, however. Trevoh Chalobah has been granted permission to leave, with Serie A outfit Como circling. Chelsea are simultaneously preparing a £50m approach for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix as a potential replacement for the departing defender.