In a summer where Enzo Maresca will arrive at the Etihad, transfer links between Manchester City and Chelsea are inevitable.
The Italian is set to be confirmed as the new Blues boss and while he will inherit a squad that won two domestic trophies last season and took the title fight with Arsenal into the final week of the Premier League campaign, additions will be sought. City have already seen two bids for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson knocked back with the second worth £120million, while the Blues hold an interest in Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
City were linked a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez earlier in the summer, but that is not a player of interest to the Blues. Now Malo Gusto has been touted as player who could swap Stamford Bridge for the Etihad.
Reports suggest Gusto’s representatives have contacted City about the defender but at a pricetag of £75million, and with Chelsea not forcing an exit, it is not a move City are expected to pursue. A new right back is of interest, and Chelsea themselves scuppered one potential arrival with Xabi Alonso’s side securing a deal for promising right back Marco Palestra.
The Atalanta defender was a player of interest for City and was seemingly set to join Serie A champions Inter Milan earlier this month before Chelsea swooped. His arrival in the capital creates extra competition in defence and Gusto could see opportunities limited.
And while the 23-year-old might be exploring his options this summer, with City touted as a possible destination, the prospect of him moving to Manchester is remote.
City do want to strengthen at right back to add competition for Matheus Nunes, who enjoyed a strong campaign last season having been converted to full back from midfield. Feyenoord’s Givairo Read is a player of interest with City most likely looking to sign a young defender capable of growing into a first team option while offering a challenge to Nunes in the short-term.
Portugal international Nunes is the clear first choice heading into the new campaign having impressed at right back. He is under contract at the Etihad until 2028.
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