Manchester City Focus On Malo Gusto For Right‑Back

City Complete Core Signings, Look to Bolster Depth

Manchester City have moved quickly in the early summer window, finalizing deals for Elliot Anderson, Pierce Charles, Mathys Detourbet and Jeremy Monga. The new arrivals give the squad fresh options, but manager Enzo Maresca still sees gaps in other areas. Right‑back, an additional midfielder and a winger are now the club’s main targets for the rest of the transfer period. The 2026 World Cup is dominating the calendar, which has kept most of the market on hold for now. City expect activity to pick up once the tournament concludes.

Malo Gusto Emerges as the Top Right‑Back Target

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Manchester City have been given the “green light” to pursue Malo Gusto, Chelsea’s French international right‑back. Enzo Maresca reportedly views Gusto as his first choice to compete with Matheus Nunes. City have already opened talks with Gusto’s representatives about a possible summer move to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup winners. Chelsea’s recent capture of Marco Palestra from Atalanta and the presence of Reece James may make them more willing to sell Gusto this summer. Gusto is currently at the World Cup with France, leaving little room for updates until the tournament’s later stages.

Why Givairo Read Is No Longer a City Priority

Manchester City had been linked to Givairo Read, a young right‑back who recently drew interest from Nottingham Forest. Forest’s opening bid of €17.5 million was rejected by Feyenoord, and the Dutch club is expected to receive an improved offer later. Read was previously mentioned as a target for City, but the timeline now suggests the club would rather avoid a race with another side. With Gusto clearly ahead in City’s plans, Read’s pursuit seems to have been shelved for this window. The shift underscores City’s focus on securing a proven international option instead of a developing talent.

Market Implications and Next Steps

Marco Palestra’s completed move to Chelsea has further tightened the right‑back pool, leaving fewer viable alternatives for City. Gusto’s current valuation could be a hurdle, especially if Chelsea set a steep asking price. The World Cup still has a semi‑final and a final remaining, meaning any concrete developments on a Gusto transfer are unlikely until after the competition finishes. City’s hierarchy is expected to revisit the target once the tournament ends, weighing financial considerations against the need for depth behind Matheus Nunes. If the window reignites, Gusto appears poised to become the club’s primary right‑back acquisition.