Full Breakdown
Chelsea’s Malo Gusto: Transfer Uncertainty Amid a £75 million Price Tag
6/24/2026, 8:24:31 PM
Gusto’s Potential Exit
Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, a 23-year-old right-back, is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. The club has set a valuation of more than £75 million for the Frenchman. Sources told BBC Sport that Gusto’s representatives have held exploratory talks with several clubs, including Manchester City. While City have expressed interest in adding a right-back to compete with Matheus Nunes, sources say Gusto is not a leading candidate at this stage of the transfer window. A move to the Etihad would reunite him with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, under whom he played for 18 months before Maresca’s departure in January.
Background: Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy After a 10th-Place Finish
Chelsea concluded the 2022-23 Premier League season in 10th place, missing out on European competition. The club’s financial planning now hinges on significant player sales to balance the books and fund new acquisitions. The agreed-in-principle signing of Atalanta midfielder Marco Palestra, a fellow right-back, for a fee exceeding £43 million underscores Chelsea’s intent to reshape the squad while generating revenue.
Key Stakeholders
- Malo Gusto – Chelsea right-back, primary subject of the transfer discussion.
- Manchester City – Potential buyer, seeking depth at right-back.
- Enzo Maresca – Former Chelsea manager, now at Manchester City, linked to Gusto’s possible reunion.
- Chelsea FC – Selling club, demanding a £75 million-plus fee.
- Atalanta’s Marco Palestra – Incoming right-back, whose signing influences Gusto’s market position.
- Other players in limbo – Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, whose futures are also uncertain.
Transfer Fees and Valuations
- Malo Gusto: Valued at >£75 million by Chelsea.
- Marco Palestra: Deal in principle for >£43 million.
- Marc Cucurella: Transferred to Real Madrid for £52 million.
- Enzo Fernandez: Targeted by Real Madrid; Chelsea’s asking price reported at £120 million.
- Trevoh Chalobah: Attracting interest from Serie A side Como; potential cost cited as a barrier to a formal offer.
Official Club Positions
Chelsea have publicly indicated that any transfer involving Gusto must meet a valuation exceeding £75 million, reflecting the club’s broader strategy to secure substantial fees amid a required overhaul of the squad. Manchester City’s interest is described as exploratory, with the club not prioritising Gusto as a primary target at this juncture. Both clubs have not issued formal statements beyond the reported positions conveyed by sources.
What’s Next
Gusto’s agent is expected to continue discussions with interested parties, while Chelsea monitor offers that satisfy their valuation threshold. Concurrently, the club will pursue at least one centre-back to accompany Palestra, and will assess potential sales of Chalobah, Adarabioyo, and Fofana to fund further reinforcements. The summer transfer window will determine whether Gusto secures a move, remains at Chelsea, or becomes part of a broader restructuring effort.
