Manchester City are preparing a major move for Chelsea defender Malo Gusto in January, despite facing the prospect of a financial penalty or restrictions on signing players.
City remain top of the Premier League table despite their latest setback against Aston Villa. However, the club are also attempting to keep external attention away from their conviction for 114 alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial fair play rules.
While the legal process continues, Enzo Maresca is already considering the club’s longer-term plans. According to Sport, citing reports from England, Manchester City have decided to revive their interest in Gusto and are expected to explore a deal during the winter transfer window.
Maresca previously worked with the 23-year-old during his spell at Stamford Bridge a few months ago and is reportedly prepared to return to the negotiating table for the player.
City are awaiting a potential punishment that could have significant financial consequences and may even prevent them from registering new signings. Despite that uncertainty, the club’s sporting department is continuing its transfer work as normal.
Reports from TeamTalk claim a move for Gusto could be one of Manchester City’s major pieces of business in January. The club are hoping Chelsea will reduce their asking price after taking a firm stance during discussions between the two sides in last summer’s transfer window.
Chelsea demanded at least 83m euros (£70m) for the French defender several months ago. The London club set the same valuation for a player who came through the academy at Olympique Lyonnais before establishing himself in the Premier League during his three years with Chelsea.
The scale of that fee can be illustrated by the fact that Achraf Hakimi remains the most expensive right-back in world football. Paris Saint-Germain paid 68m euros to sign him in 2020.
English reports have indicated that Chelsea’s valuation of Gusto may have fallen in recent months. Even so, Manchester City’s situation could complicate negotiations from several angles.
The club may look to complete new signings quickly before any final punishment comes into force. That possibility could encourage other clubs to demand inflated prices for their players, knowing City may be under pressure to complete deals before transfer restrictions or other sanctions begin.
Manchester City’s interest in Gusto therefore comes as the club continue their title challenge while planning for a transfer window that could be shaped by the outcome of the financial fair play case.
