Manchester City has made an inquiry about signing Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, adding another layer of intrigue to what is shaping up to be one of the more consequential summer transfer windows in recent memory. Bayern Munich has also expressed interest in the French right-back, meaning Chelsea could find itself in a favorable negotiating position if it decides to let Gusto go.

Gusto, who is 23 years old and reportedly valued at around £31 million, has been a fixture in Chelsea’s defensive setup since arriving from Lyon in January 2023. The fact that two clubs of this caliber are circling tells you everything about how far his stock has risen in west London.

Why Chelsea might be willing to deal

Chelsea is reportedly open to assessing player departures this window as part of broader squad reshuffling, and Gusto’s name appears to be on the list of players whose futures are up for evaluation.

No formal bids or agreements have been finalized as of June 12, 2026. This remains at the inquiry stage, which in football parlance means phone calls have been made and doors haven’t been slammed shut.

Manchester City’s angle and the Maresca connection

City’s interest in Gusto carries an interesting subplot. Enzo Maresca is set to take over as the club’s new manager, and his familiarity with the Chelsea setup could be a significant factor in this pursuit. When a manager knows a player’s capabilities firsthand, the scouting process essentially shortcuts itself.

The competition from Bayern Munich adds pressure to any potential deal. If both clubs move beyond the inquiry phase, Chelsea could find itself in the enviable position of playing two suitors against each other.

Gusto’s journey from Lyon’s academy to becoming a target for two of Europe’s most decorated clubs has been remarkably swift. His performances have also earned him call-ups to the France national team, including participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.