Manchester United and Manchester City are monitoring Chelsea defender Malo Gusto as uncertainty grows over his role at Stamford Bridge under new manager Xabi Alonso.
According to talkSPORT, both Manchester clubs are keeping tabs on the 23-year-old Frenchman, who has struggled for regular playing time this season. However, it remains unclear whether either club will make a formal approach during the January transfer window.
Gusto has not started a Premier League match since 12 September and has increasingly found himself behind Josh Acheampong in the competition for the right-back position. His reduced involvement has come despite Reece James being unavailable through injury.
Chelsea are understood to value Gusto at around £75 million, a significant increase on the approximately £26m they paid Lyon to secure his services in 2023.
Man Utd and Man City monitor Chelsea defender Malo Gusto ahead of January window
Manchester City have previously been linked with the defender, having considered a move during the summer. A potential transfer would give them another option at right-back, although the club’s ongoing legal dispute with the Premier League could complicate their recruitment plans.
United are also assessing their options as they prepare for a managerial change, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to replace Michael Carrick. The new head coach’s arrival could influence the club’s transfer priorities ahead of the second half of the season.
Gusto has made 144 appearances in all competitions since joining Chelsea, scoring three goals. He established himself as an important member of the squad following his arrival from Lyon, but his position has become less secure this season.
He has started only three of Chelsea’s seven Premier League matches in the current campaign, although he featured in all three of their Carabao Cup fixtures before their fourth-round elimination against Liverpool.
That defeat also brought criticism of his performance, with the defender receiving a negative reaction from sections of the Chelsea support when he was substituted.
For now, both Manchester clubs are monitoring the situation, while Chelsea’s reported £75m valuation represents a substantial obstacle to any potential January deal.
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