Enzo Maresca's imminent appointment as Manchester City manager is a significant factor behind the City pursuit. The Italian worked closely with Gusto throughout his time at Stamford Bridge and reportedly placed the 23-year-old on his shortlist of targets before his departure from Chelsea in January.
Maresca is expected to be confirmed as Manchester City's manager on a three-year contract, and his familiarity with the right-back has accelerated the club's interest following City's need to address the position after a season in which Matheus Nunes filled in there under Pep Guardiola.
Inter Milan are also active, with the Italian champions identifying Gusto as a natural replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who is understood to be heading to Real Madrid. The Nerazzurri have held an initial meeting with Gusto's agent and presented him with a clear sporting picture — a guaranteed starting spot, regular Champions League football, and a central role in a side challenging for the Scudetto.
Whether City or Inter move first will likely depend on fee and personal preference. Gusto is under contract with Chelsea until 2030, which gives the west London club considerable leverage in any negotiation, and no asking price has been publicly disclosed.
The 23-year-old is currently representing France at the World Cup after being included in Didier Deschamps's squad for the tournament in North America. His departure from Chelsea would be a significant shift: he has made over 130 appearances for the club since joining from Lyon in January 2023, establishing himself as a reliable right-back under a succession of managers.
Chelsea themselves are in transition. The appointment of Xabi Alonso as manager on a four-year contract from July 1 has prompted a full review of the playing squad, and Gusto is among the players whose futures are being evaluated as the new manager assesses his options.
City are not without alternatives at right-back. Director of football Hugo Viana's department has also been monitoring Feyenoord's Givairo Read, suggesting the Gusto pursuit is not the only avenue being explored.