Liverpool and Man City target AMBITIOUS Chelsea transfer

Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith
  • 15 Dec 2024 12:15 CST
  • 3 min read
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
© IMAGO

Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea defender Malo Gusto in 2025.

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The France defender has impressed since moving to Stamford Bridge last summer and he is currently Enzo Maresca’s first choice right-back amid Reece James’ significant injury struggles.

Gusto has racked up 10 Premier League starts so far this campaign, and his form over the past 18 months has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Man City, according to Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips.

READ MORE: Jadon Sancho latest - Maresca reveals KEY improvement since Man Utd transfer

Liverpool are in the market for a new right-back amid concerns that Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave the club on a free transfer next summer, and Gusto has reportedly emerged as a target for Arne Slot’s side.

Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong has also been linked with a move to Anfield in 2025, although the Netherlands international has rarely played as an auxiliary right-back in the Bundesliga.

Furthermore, Man City have been tipped to purchase a right-back next summer following Kyle Walker’s recent dip in form at the Etihad Stadium. The England star has been heavily criticised throughout the course of the 2024-25 campaign and Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to sign a replacement next year.

READ MORE: Arsenal and Chelsea move for €100m Brazilian wonderkid

Malo Gusto, Chelsea
© IMAGO - Malo Gusto, Chelsea

Malo Gusto to leave Chelsea?

Despite reported interest from two of the biggest clubs in England, Gusto still has five-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at Chelsea, so a departure seems fairly unlikely as things stand.

The 21-year-old has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of just under €25 million, but Chelsea would demand a far greater fee to sanction a sale given James’ fitness issues and Axel Disasi’s struggles at full-back.

Academy wonderkid Josh Acheampong is set to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge and be given a larger first-team involvement over the next few years, however Gusto is expected to keep his place as Maresca’s preferred right-back for the time being.

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