Gusto has been valuable because of his athleticism, recovery pace and ability to cover heavy minutes when Reece James has needed managing.
That makes any City interest awkward for Chelsea, even if the club’s valuation is designed to protect their position.
ReadChelsea has already covered how Malo Gusto’s France minutes give Chelsea another World Cup fitness check, and that context matters.
Gusto is not just a saleable asset. He is a young international gaining tournament experience while Chelsea assess Xabi Alonso’s defensive options.
The wider issue is squad shape under Alonso.
Chelsea have been moving quickly in the market and are still balancing experience, versatility and long-term planning across both full-back roles.
City Logic Is Clear, But Chelsea Risk Is Obvious
From City’s side, the logic is obvious.
City also need to reshape after Pep Guardiola’s exit, and Maresca will naturally look towards players he trusts.
From Chelsea’s side, the question is whether any offer reaches a level that makes a sale worth the disruption.
ReadChelsea has already covered how Reece James has set an early captaincy tone under Xabi Alonso, and that matters here too.
James remains the captain and first-choice right-back when fit, but Chelsea know his workload needs managing.
Selling Gusto would create another decision rather than simply freeing space.
Palestra Move Would Not Remove Every Question
The Marco Palestra situation gives Chelsea a possible route to greater flexibility.
ReadChelsea has already looked at how Chelsea’s Marco Palestra move fits Alonso’s defensive reset, with the Atalanta defender offering versatility across both sides.
But even if Chelsea complete that deal, Gusto’s exit would still change the squad balance.
Palestra may offer cover and upside, but Gusto already has Premier League rhythm and knows the demands of the club.
That is why this cannot be judged only through a transfer-fee lens.
Chelsea must decide whether their right-back depth is stronger with Gusto, or whether a major offer would help fund a broader Alonso rebuild.
For now, Gusto remains a Chelsea player.
But this is a link that could quickly become more serious if City decide to push.
