Manchester City cherche un concurrent pour Nunes

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club placing a £75m price tag on the full-back.

The 23-year-old right-back's future has come under renewed doubt after Chelsea agreed a deal in principle to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra, who plays in the same position, for a fee in excess of £43m.

Sources at Manchester City have distanced themselves from a move for Gusto, possibly because of the £75m figure that has been quoted by Chelsea, but there is no doubt the club view a new right-back as a possibility this summer.

Reports in Italy recently suggested City had agreed personal terms with Palestra, though that did not materialise, and instead Chelsea have swooped to sign the highly-rated right-back.

City have been without a natural right-back since Kyle Walker left the club in January 2025 - and 28-year-old Matheus Nunes has excelled in the position after being converted from midfield.

The Portugal international scored one goal and provided seven assists in the Premier League last season and, such were his performances, then manager Pep Guardiola said Nunes was becoming "one of the best right-backs in the world".

But, having deployed a makeshift right-back all of last season, City are now eyeing the profile of a young player in that position, one who is a natural fit and can grow into the role in the future.

A move for Newcastle United and England right-back Tino Livramento has been ruled out, while there were also links with Tottenham's Pedro Porro but the Spaniard has signed a new deal at the club.