Malo Gusto Explores Exit from Chelsea, Who Value Him above £75 Million

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club placing a valuation above £75 million on the 23-year-old right-back. The Frenchman joined the club from Lyon in 2023 for about £31 million. Chelsea agreed a deal in principle to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra in the same position for a fee exceeding £43 million.

Gusto was already aware his position was uncertain before that agreement, and his representatives have held exploratory talks with multiple clubs, including Manchester City. Manchester City are seeking a right-back to compete with Matheus Nunes next season. Sources indicate interest in Gusto exists but he is not a leading candidate at this stage of the window.

Any move would reunite him with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, under whom he played for 18 months before Maresca's departure in January. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and missed out on European qualification, prompting a need for significant player sales.

The club also intend to add at least one centre-back alongside Palestra, placing the futures of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana in doubt.

Chalobah has drawn interest from Serie A side Como, who finished fourth last season to qualify for the Champions League under manager Cesc Fabregas. Chalobah is understood to be open to the move, though the potential cost has so far deterred a formal offer. Manchester City have operated without a natural right-back since Kyle Walker departed in January 2025.

Nunes scored one goal and recorded seven assists in the Premier League last season after converting from midfield. Real Madrid signed Spain full-back Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this summer for £52 million and have shown interest in midfielder Enzo Fernandez, whom Chelsea value at £120 million.