Manchester City have taken a significant step in their pursuit of Chelsea defender Malo Gusto after reports indicated that the French international has agreed personal terms ahead of a proposed move to the Etihad Stadium.
The Premier League giants are now expected to focus on negotiations with Chelsea as they attempt to reach an agreement for one of Europe’s most highly rated attacking full-backs. While the player has reportedly given his approval for the transfer, City must still convince Chelsea to part with a defender who remains under a long-term contract until 2030.
The transfer has attracted widespread attention across English football, not only because of Gusto’s impressive performances but also because it could reunite him with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, a coach who played a key role in his recent development.
According to reports from France, Manchester City moved quickly after identifying Gusto as one of their priority defensive targets for the summer transfer window.
Club officials are believed to have held positive discussions with the player’s representatives before receiving an indication that the 23-year-old is open to beginning a new chapter at the Etihad.
The prospect of working under Maresca once again has reportedly been one of the biggest influences behind Gusto’s decision.
The Italian tactician, who is widely expected to become the next long-term leader of Manchester City’s project, previously enjoyed a productive working relationship with the French defender during their time together at Chelsea.
Their partnership helped Chelsea secure the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, with Gusto emerging as one of the team’s most reliable performers through his pace, defensive awareness and attacking quality down the right flank.
Maresca is believed to consider Gusto an ideal player for his tactical philosophy because of the defender’s versatility.
Comfortable operating as a traditional right-back, wing-back or inverted full-back, Gusto possesses the technical ability and intelligence required to adapt to different tactical systems.
His energy, crossing ability and willingness to contribute in both attack and defence have earned praise from coaches throughout his career.
Born in Décines-Charpieu, France, Gusto developed through the famous Olympique Lyonnais academy, one of Europe’s most respected youth systems.
Having progressed through every age category, he made his senior debut for Lyon while still a teenager and quickly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s brightest young defenders.
His rapid development attracted interest from several major European clubs before Chelsea secured his signature in January 2023 in a deal worth approximately €30 million.
Although he officially joined Chelsea immediately after the agreement, he initially remained on loan at Lyon before completing his move to Stamford Bridge.
Since arriving in London, Gusto has steadily grown into one of the club’s most dependable defenders.
Across all competitions, he has accumulated well over 130 appearances while contributing three goals and 17 assists, demonstrating his ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.
His speed, stamina and accurate deliveries from wide areas have made him an important creative outlet for Chelsea, while his defensive discipline has earned the confidence of successive managers.
One of the highlights of his Chelsea career came during the 2024/25 campaign when he played an important role in helping the club lift the UEFA Conference League before adding the FIFA Club World Cup to his growing list of honours.
Those achievements significantly strengthened his reputation across Europe and placed him firmly on the radar of several elite clubs.
Despite City’s interest, Chelsea are expected to resist any attempt to sign one of their most valuable defenders.
The London club remain in a strong negotiating position because Gusto signed a long-term contract that runs until the summer of 2030.
Chelsea’s hierarchy are also reluctant to strengthen one of their biggest Premier League rivals, particularly as both clubs continue rebuilding squads capable of challenging for domestic and European honours.
Any agreement is therefore expected to require a substantial transfer fee before Chelsea consider approving the move.
Manchester City, however, appear determined to continue discussions.
Club officials reportedly believe Gusto possesses the qualities needed to strengthen the right side of the defence while also providing long-term stability in a position that remains crucial to the team’s tactical structure.
Meanwhile, Gusto’s immediate attention remains firmly on international football.
The defender is currently part of the France squad competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Les Bleus are preparing for a crucial Round of 32 encounter against Sweden.
Although he has made only brief appearances against Iraq and Norway during the tournament, the French coaching staff continue to value his versatility and defensive reliability.
Any transfer negotiations are therefore expected to continue quietly in the background while the player concentrates on helping France progress deeper into the competition.
Should Manchester City eventually secure an agreement with Chelsea, Gusto would become another major addition to a squad seeking to reclaim the Premier League title after Arsenal ended City’s dominance by lifting the championship last season.
For Gusto, the move would represent another important milestone in a career that has progressed rapidly from Lyon’s youth academy to the Premier League and the international stage.
Still only 23 years old, the French defender has already established himself among Europe’s finest full-backs, and many football analysts believe his best years are still ahead.
Whether Chelsea ultimately sanction the transfer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Malo Gusto has become one of the most sought-after defenders in European football, and his future is set to be one of the biggest stories of this summer’s transfer window.
