Manchester City have deemed Chelsea’s £75 million asking price for Malo Gusto “prohibitively high”, casting serious doubt over the defender’s proposed transfer to the Etihad Stadium. The development comes despite earlier suggestions that the 23-year-old France international had agreed to make the switch from Stamford Bridge.
According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are unwilling to meet Chelsea’s valuation for the right-back. The West London club set the substantial fee specifically to deter interested parties and remain steadfastly reluctant to lose a player who is contracted until 2030. With such long-term security, Chelsea are under no pressure to negotiate and have effectively priced the Frenchman out of a move.
Conflict between player desire and club stance
Earlier this month, Foot Mercato reported that Gusto had held discussions with City representatives and consented to a move to Manchester, where he would reunite with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian is expected to succeed Pep Guardiola, whose departure from the club has been confirmed, though Maresca’s appointment has not yet been officially announced.
However, the proposed transfer now appears unlikely to proceed at the current valuation. The Athletic indicates that City consider the fee excessive for the former Olympique Lyonnais academy graduate, while Chelsea are determined to retain a key squad member. Gusto established himself as a regular starter last season, making 49 appearances across all competitions despite competing with club captain Reece James for the right-back position. His performances earned him a place in Didier Deschamps’ France World Cup squad, confirming his status as an established international.
Scarce alternatives leave City in difficult position
The breakdown in negotiations leaves Manchester City facing a shortage of options in their search for defensive reinforcements. The club are reportedly struggling to identify alternative right-back targets of comparable quality currently available in the transfer market. This scarcity may eventually force City to reconsider their stance, though no immediate breakthrough is anticipated.
For Chelsea, the situation offers considerable security. With Gusto tied to a long-term deal and featuring regularly under Maresca at Stamford Bridge, the club hold complete leverage in negotiations. Unless Manchester City substantially increase their offer to meet the £75m valuation, the defender looks set to continue his development in West London for the foreseeable future.