One obstacle threatens Mariska’s dream

“Manchester City” continues its intensive moves in the summer transfer market, with the strengthening of the right-back position being one of the priorities of the Italian coach Enzo Maresca before the start of the new season.

However, the Premier League champions’ desire to bring back one of Chelsea’s most famous former players under their current manager faces a major financial hurdle that could prompt the club to abandon the deal and look for other options.

Hiring a specialist right-back became one of the most important files on Manchester City’s table in Maresca’s first transfer window at the Etihad Stadium.

The Italian coach wants to include a defender who can contribute to the build-up of play in possession, get forward into attacking areas and adapt to more than one tactical style and formation to suit his philosophy without affecting the rhythm of the team.

In addition, signing a player who previously worked under Maresca will reduce the adaptation period, which gives the deal an additional advantage from a technical point of view.

Sources on the website:CaughtOffsideManchester City have identified Frenchman Malo Gusteau, the Chelsea full-back, as one of their top targets to strengthen their defensive line, given the belief within the club that the Frenchman is not averse to a move up the ranks.

Manchester City were considering an offer worth around €45m, but Chelsea are insisting on around £75m in exchange for the 23-year-old’s services.

The huge difference in valuations between the two clubs remains the main obstacle to completing a deal, with reports suggesting Manchester City have no intention of meeting Chelsea’s current financial demands, despite expectations that talks will continue after the World Cup.

On the other hand, “Chelsea” does not categorically reject the idea of ​​selling the player, but will not enter into serious negotiations until they receive the financial compensation they consider appropriate.

Giusto’s familiarity with Mariska’s tactical ideas is one of the key factors in Manchester City’s appeal after the player made 72 appearances for Chelsea under the Italian manager, scoring two goals and providing six assists, meaning it won’t take long for the manager to integrate him into his technical system.

Chelsea stand their ground

Chelsea are in a strong negotiating position given Gusteau’s long-term contract, in addition to the London club having no incentive to strengthen one of their most prominent local rivals in return for an offer that falls short of their ambitions.

The player’s ability to play in more than one position in the back line, in addition to his experience in the English Premier League, gives him a high market value compared to some options coming out of England who are yet to be tested in the atmosphere of the Premier League.

Although Manchester City are convinced of the player’s potential, the club’s management believe that Chelsea’s financial demands are excessive, which could force him to focus on other targets.

Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento and Feyenoord’s Dutch talent Javier Reid are on the list of potential alternatives, as well as Porto’s Portuguese Martim Fernandez if Chelsea stick to their demands and make no concessions.

Although Gusto is a tactically ideal option for Maresca, paying £75m for the right-back seems like a huge financial risk, even if Manchester City clearly need to strengthen this position.

Chelsea’s position, on the other hand, seems understandable as it seeks to keep one of its key assets, especially when it comes to selling the player to a direct English Premier League rival, with the resolution of the deal dependent on either side’s willingness to make concessions in the coming period.