like Manchester City The players are looking to rebuild a faltering and aging backline, and those at the Etihad are said to be planning a surprise move to replicate their previous deal for Mateo Kovacic in 2023.
Man City transfer news
the Premier League The Champions haven't needed a bigger rebuild since Pep Guardiola He first arrived and declared the likes of Joe Hart surplus to requirements. The Spaniard simply could not turn things around on a hot trip to forget, with City's misery piled on by defeat to Juventus in the Champions League earlier this week.
It's no surprise then that – amid this flurry of performances – transfer rumors are starting to come thick and fast. Proverbs Nico Williams and Martin Zobemendi He has already been linked with the Etihad in 2025 in a pair of moves that would sharpen Guardiola's attacking line alongside Erling Haaland and provide much-needed cover for Rodri at the heart of the Spaniard's midfield.
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However, it's not just these two who can steal the headlines. According to Simon Phillips, Manchester City are now planning a shock move to sign Malou Gusto from Chelsea in what would be a repeat of their deal to sign Kovacic from the Blues in 2023.
The right-back has allayed any concerns about Reece James' injury problems at Stamford Bridge, indicating how strong he is under Mauricio Pochettino and more so than ever under Enzo Maresca.
While Kyle Walker continues to endure a nightmare season as well, Giusto represents an immediate upgrade for Manchester City, who simply must find a replacement for their struggling captain.
Unlike Kovacic, Chelsea may not be willing to part with Giusto to create an interesting battle if City decide to move on in 2025.
The “cool” Gusto would be an instant upgrade
As tough as it may be given the number of problems they have right now, Manchester City do have one glaring weakness and that is their captain. Walker, now 34, is a player past his best and in the position of one mistake after another in Guardiola's backline. Now, more than ever, Gusto would be an instant upgrade for the aging defender.
|
Premier League statistics 2024/25 (via FBref) |
What does he want? |
Kyle Walker |
|---|---|---|
|
Holds progressivism |
18 |
10 |
|
Tackles won |
18 |
9 |
|
Objections |
11 |
3 |
|
Retrieve the ball |
42 |
41 |
It was no surprise that the Chelsea right-back found himself at the center of Maresca's praise, as the Chelsea coach told reporters as quoted by: Fabrizio Romano Earlier this season: “A great player. I'm very happy with Malo. He gives us a lot of things. He helps the process the way we want to play a lot. He's doing a very good job. For his age, he's at the top.”
It would certainly be a shock signing, but City have welcomed players from Chelsea in the past and could now get the chance to do so in the case of Giusto at a critical time for those at the Etihad.
