Enzo Maresca, who has been appointed as the new Manchester City head coach, could raid Chelsea for a few players this summer.
Enzo Maresca could make Malo Gusto the first signing of a new era at Manchester City. The former Chelsea boss has been appointed as the permanent successor to Pep Guardiola, and he’ll be looking to put a stamp on the squad as soon as possible.
football.london understands that the Citizens are interested in signing the Blues defender, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires in June 2030. Maresca has informed higher-ups at the Etihad Stadium of his desire to sign Gutso, who was one of the first names on the teamsheet when he was in the Chelsea dugout.
It’s understood that the Blues are not actively looking to sell the France international, currently away at the World Cup, but they could be prepared to cash in if their £75million valuation is met. Meanwhile, sources close to Gusto say he will be available for just £45m.
As it stands, it remains to be seen whether Manchester City submit a bid for the Frenchman. With Reece James and Josh Acheampong, as well as Marco Palestra, who looks set to join Chelsea from Atalanta this summer, as options at right-back, Gutso could be sold if the price is right.
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Under Maresca, Gusto featured 72 times across all competitions for the Blues, scoring two goals and providing six assists. Together, they helped Chelsea get back into the Champions League, as well as win the Conference League and the Club World Cup.
During the Italian’s spell in charge, only four players made more appearances than the right-back: Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez (79), Pedro Neto (77), and Moises Caicedo (73). At the end of Maresca’s first season, he described Gusto as ‘one of his favourite players’ despite having made a costly mistake in the Conference League final.
Speaking to TNT Sports following the 4-1 win over Real Betis, where the Frenchman was hooked at half-time, the former Chelsea boss said: “Malo Gusto is one of my favourite players, but the goal we conceded was from his pass.
“They are young players, after a mistake, it doesn’t matter, and you have to continue. But after the mistake, he was out of the game. He knows that, and he’s a top player.”
Later that summer, ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, Gusto heaped praise on Maresca. Speaking to club media, the defender said: “He’s a top coach, and that’s why we’re in the final, because of him – that includes getting into the Champions League for next season.
“He created a good team, good energy between us, so we are very happy. He’s very detailed. He watches the team we face and focuses a lot on us, like how we’re going to build, how we’re going to press and the patterns we have to create between us.
“It helps us a lot. I think Maresca has added details – to think quickly, to defend together, to enjoy defending. Even many things about set-pieces. There are many details.”
In November 2025, just six weeks or so before Maresca stepped down, the 46-year-old explained why he considered Gusto a ‘main player’ for Chelsea. He said: “We said many times that Malo is a main player in the way we want to play.
“He can play in different positions. We like players that we can be dynamic with. Malo, personally, I consider him a main player for us.”
Manchester City were required to pay Chelsea a compensation fee for Maresca, who has signed a lucrative three-year contract at the Etihad Stadium. Although he won’t want to tear down Guardiola’s hard work, the former Blues gaffer will be keen to put his own spin on the side.
Gusto could just be the first of many arrivals…
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