Manchester United and Manchester City have both identified Chelsea defender Malo Gusto as a potential transfer target, with the London club reportedly setting an asking price of £75 million for the French international.
The 23-year-old has played fewer minutes at Stamford Bridge since Xabi Alonso became head coach. According to talkSPORT, both Manchester clubs are monitoring the situation closely as the defender has fallen behind academy graduate Josh Acheampong in the squad hierarchy.
Gusto, who joined Chelsea from Lyon for approximately £26 million in 2023, was previously a consistent starter for the club. However, his standing has shifted under the new coaching regime. Despite club captain Reece James being out with injury, Gusto has not started a Premier League match since September 12.
While his league appearances have been limited to just three starts in seven games this season, the defender has featured in all three of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup ties. The drop in his domestic playing time has fueled external speculation regarding a potential move, with Manchester City previously scouting the player during the summer transfer window in hopes of reuniting him with his former coach, Enzo Maresca.
Although Manchester City maintains an interest in the defender’s profile, the club’s ability to commit to a £75 million transfer is complicated by ongoing regulatory proceedings. The club is currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal regarding 114 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
An independent commission previously determined that the club had inflated its revenue by £900 million through transactions between 2009 and 2018. With a decisive hearing on potential sanctions still pending, the financial feasibility of a high-cost acquisition remains uncertain.
Manchester United’s interest comes as Old Trafford undergoes major changes. The club has reached an agreement in principle with U.S. national team coach Mauricio Pochettino to take over the managerial role from Michael Carrick.
Given the pending change in coaching leadership and the legal challenges facing their cross-town rivals, it remains unclear whether either Manchester club will formalize their interest when the transfer window opens in January. The future of the defender at Chelsea will likely depend on whether he remains sidelined under Alonso.
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