Manchester City have been working hard to solve their right-back problem all summer.
Givairo Read remains a target.
The position has been identified as a priority since Enzo Maresca arrived.
Yet, the most surprising solution of all has emerged.
The answer was at Chelsea all along.
Malo Gusto agrees personal terms with Manchester City
According to Foot Mercato, Malo Gusto has given his personal agreement to join Manchester City this summer, with the 22-year-old Chelsea right-back keen to reunite with Enzo Maresca, the man who signed him as a key part of his system during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
City moved quickly once they identified the target.
The response from Gusto’s camp was positive.
Now the challenge shifts to the hardest part, convincing Chelsea to let one of their best young players leave for a direct Premier League rival.
The Maresca factor is the central thread running through this story.
The Italian manager worked closely with Gusto during his time at Chelsea.
The relationship between manager and player is strong, and Gusto is clearly drawn by the opportunity to work under him again.
This time at a Manchester City looking to rebuild under Maresca’s direction following Guardiola’s departure.
His personal decision has been made.
However, Chelsea are the obstacle.
His contract runs until 2030, which gives the Blues enormous leverage.
And the club are fighting a battle on multiple fronts in this transfer window, with several players already being courted by rival clubs simultaneously.
Selling a 22-year-old France international to Manchester City is not a conversation Chelsea want to have.
But a player who has given his agreement to move carries a very different negotiating dynamic than one who is happy to stay.
Discussions are expected to accelerate in the coming weeks once the World Cup reaches its later stages.
And when they do, Chelsea will need to decide if holding firm on a player who wants to leave serves them.
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