Manchester City is in the market for a new right-back for 2025/26, despite Matheus Nunes' solid performance in the position. Without a natural right-back since Kyle Walker's departure in January 2025, the club aims to add competition and a long-term solution to the flank.
In London, Malo Gusto is considering leaving Chelsea this summer. The Blues set a price tag of £75 million for the 23-year-old Frenchman, a figure that, according to City sources, wards off any investment. Uncertainty surrounding Gusto's future is heightened by Chelsea's agreement in principle to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a fee in excess of £43 million. In Italy it was reported that City had a personal understanding with Palestra, something that did not materialize, allowing Chelsea to move forward for the highly rated youngster.
Meanwhile, in Manchester, the idea remains to reinforce the position with a full-back with room for development. Matheus Nunes, 28, was converted from midfielder to right-back and stood out in 2024/25: he added one goal and seven assists in the Premier League. Then coach Pep Guardiola even said that the Portuguese international was becoming “one of the best right-backs in the world”.
Still, the profile desired by City points to a young and specific player for the role. A possible approach to Tino Livramento (Newcastle) was ruled out and, on the Tottenham side, Pedro Porro was recently removed from the equation by signing a new contract with the Spurs.
With Gusto protected by the price and Palestra on his way to Stamford Bridge, the English champion continues to pay attention to the market to find the ideal alternative that offers internal competition to Matheus Nunes on the right of defense.