Sources: Man City given green light over Malo Gusto deal
Man City have been given the green light to approach Chelsea over signing Malo Gusto due to his relationship with Enzo Maresca, sources have told Football Insider.
Maresca is looking to sign a new right-back this summer after being appointed as Man City's new manager.
Pep Guardiola trusted Matheus Nunes to regularly feature there last season, but he is a central midfielder by trade.
Rico Lewis was his back-up, but he has been linked with an exit this summer after struggling for regular game time.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, City may move to sign Chelsea star Gusto in the coming months as Maresca has made him his top target to bolster the position.
The Blues have already completed a deal for Atalanta's Marco Palestra this summer to compete for places alongside Gusto and Reece James.
Malo Gusto moving closer to Man City switch after Enzo Maresca claim
Gusto is currently at the World Cup with France after making 56 appearances across all competitions last season.
His representatives have already held talks with City, and he is reportedly considering his Chelsea future as it stands.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think Gusto potentially could be lured away. Obviously, Chelsea have brought in a new right back in Palestra from Atalanta, and you've got Reece James also, so there is a lot of competition for places at Stamford Bridge.
"There is a mutual admiration between Gusto and Enzo Maresca. They've worked together before and I think Maresca is a big fan of Gusto. If Man City do firm up their interest, it might mean that he is open to making the move to the Etihad."
Lewis targeted by several Premier League clubs amid uncertain City future
Lewis was close to joining Nottingham Forest last summer but instead stayed at City and signed a new five-year contract extension in September.
He then made just 11 Premier League appearances last term as Nunes was largely preferred at right-back, with even less game time likely in the upcoming campaign.
Forest are still monitoring the 21-year-old, while sources have told Football Insider that Everton are admirers of Lewis too.
David Moyes has made signing a new right-back one of his top priorities this summer.