Manchester City's summer transfer window might be on a World Cup pause right now, but the hunt for a right-back is getting serious, with Chelsea's French international Malo Gusto emerging as the absolute top target for Enzo Maresca. While the 2026 World Cup is hitting its peak, it looks like City's right-back situation is nearing a critical point, with Gusto seemingly the last player standing in their sights to provide cover and competition for Matheus Nunes.
The Green Light Flashes For Gusto
It sure seems like City has zeroed in on their guy. Reports are swirling that Manchester City has reportedly received the "green light" to move for Malo Gusto, especially as other right-back targets have fallen off the board. Pete O’Rourke over at Football Insider reported this huge development, confirming that City got the go-ahead to chase Gusto. Even better, Enzo Maresca himself has apparently tabbed the French international as his number one target to bolster that right-back spot. City's even been holding talks with Gusto’s representatives, trying to hash out a potential summer move to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners. This whole situation makes a lot of sense because Chelsea just signed Marco Palestra from Atalanta and already has Reece James on the squad. That means Chelsea might actually be open to selling Gusto this summer.The Right-Back Market Is Drying Up Fast
This isn't just about City wanting Gusto, it's about their options dwindling down to almost nothing. Remember Givairo Read, who was previously named as a City target? Well, Fabrizio Romano reported that Nottingham Forest actually had a €17.5 million bid for Read rejected by Feyenoord. Forest is apparently coming back with an improved offer, and if City had been serious about Read, it's hard to imagine them letting another club get in front like that. Plus, Marco Palestra, another guy City was reportedly looking at for right-back, has already completed his move from Atalanta to Chelsea. These moves mean the list of available right-backs for City has shrunk big time. Gusto really does look like the only name left on the board if City wants to refine that area of the squad alongside adding another midfielder and maybe a winger.World Cup Delays And A Steep Price Tag
So, all eyes are on Malo Gusto. But there's a huge factor slowing everything down: the World Cup. Gusto is currently with France, who still have a semi-final and one other match left to play. This means we're unlikely to get any substantial updates on City's chase for him until the tournament wraps up. The delay is frustrating, but it also gives Chelsea leverage. If City pushes hard after the World Cup, Chelsea's asking price for Gusto could be steep, and City will have to decide how much they're willing to pay for what looks like their last true option. Until the World Cup finishes, this whole transfer saga is in a holding pattern, but once that final whistle blows, expect things to get wild.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.