Manchester City And Manchester United Set for Transfer Battle Over £75 Million-Rated Chelsea Star

Manchester City And Manchester United Set for Transfer Battle Over £75 Million-Rated Chelsea Star Could Hugo Viana and co make a swoop for Chelsea's Malo Gusto? More Videos The 23-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lyon in January 2023 on a contract valid until 2030 for a reported fee of £26.3 million before being loaned back to the Ligue 1 club until the end of that season. Following his arrival at Chelsea , the defender became a regular under former coach Enzo Maresca, who was appointed in June 2024, registering a total of 134 appearances until the 2025-26 season. However, things took a turn for the worse for the Lyon graduate after the Italian coach’s departure and Xabi Alonso taking charge as Chelsea's new manager for the ongoing season. The Frenchman has not started in a Premier League game for Chelsea since September 12, having mostly been replaced by Josh Acheampong at right-back despite club captain Reece James being on the sidelines due to injury. Overall, he has made only three starts in the seven English top-flight games he has appeared in this campaign and registered a sole assist in their three Carabao Cup matches prior to the London side’s elimination from the competition at the hands of Liverpool . Gusto has now been heavily linked with seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge after falling out of favour under Alonso this season. With Chelsea not playing in any European competitions in the 2026-27 campaign and having now been eliminated from the EFL Cup, Gusto’s only chances of making appearances are limited to the FA Cup and the Premier League, where he is yet to earn a regular spot in Alonso’s pecking order. The defender’s current situation makes a potential departure from the London side more favourable for him, and according to talkSPORT , Manchester City and Manchester United are monitoring the player for a possible signing in the January transfer window. The summer transfer window saw Manchester City being heavily linked with a transfer interest for Gusto, especially given the chance of a reunion between the right-back and former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. However, Chelsea’s hefty asking price for the player reportedly subdued City’s pursuit. Manchester United, meanwhile, have recently parted ways with coach Michael Carrick, and current United States national team boss Mauricio Pochettino has been confirmed as his replacement at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have failed to maintain a single clean sheet in all 10 Premier League games so far this season, and their backline has been on the receiving end of criticism. With the new coach incoming, Pochettino is expected to make additions to strengthen their defence, making Gusto a top transfer prospect for United in the winter window. What’s next for Manchester City? Alongside Chelsea’s valuation of Gusto at £75 million and Manchester United’s reported interest in the player, there could be some other factors that could affect City’s efforts to make this signing possible. Manchester City are also still awaiting the outcome of their appeal against the Premier League following their guilty verdict on 114 charges of breaching financial rules. Complications could arise in their pursuit of the Frenchman as Manchester City are yet to learn the outcome of their appeal and their pending sanctions hearing. It remains to be seen which of the Manchester clubs becomes Gusto’s next destination if Chelsea decides to part ways with the player, who has over three-and-a-half years left on his current contract. Following the ongoing international break, Maresca and co will be back to on-pitch action with their Premier League match against Fulham at the Etihad Stadium on November 21.