Hugo Viana and Manchester City are preparing to add new manager Enzo Maresca to one of their key Chelsea assets this summer, according to a new report. Manchester City have identified the right-back position as a priority area for recruitment, with Matheus Nunes the leading name for that position following a very positive 2025-26 campaign — but sporting director Hugo Viana is looking for an upgrade in terms of depth and quality behind him.
The search for a right-back is just one part of a considerable overhaul being planned at the Etihad Stadium ahead of Maresca's first season in charge. The record pursuit of Nottingham Forest player Elliot Anderson has dominated the headlines, while the signing of a winger is also on the agenda, with Savinho close to a move to Tottenham.
Manchester City are holding talks over the transfer of Malo Gusto with Chelsea following a setback regarding Marco Palestra. Maresca, whose arrival from Chelsea is expected to be formally announced soon, has built a solid working relationship with a number of Chelsea players during his time in London, and City look set to take advantage of that familiarity as they build the squad around him.
According to The Times, Manchester City are interested in French international Malo Gusto, with Chelsea open to selling the 23-year-old right-back this summer to free up funds and squad space ahead of the expected signing of former City target Marco Palestra. Additional reports from journalist Ben Jacobs indicate that Stamford Bridge officials currently value Gusto at more than £45 million — a figure that reflects the young defender's position in the Chelsea pecking order, despite his expected departure.
However, City are exploring a number of options for this position rather than committing to a single target at this time, with Newcastle United's Valentino Livramento also appearing on the list of options Viana's recruitment team are evaluating. Gusto would arrive with the added benefit of familiarity – having worked directly under Maresca at Chelsea – which is seen as a factor in City's assessment to minimize the adjustment period for a team undergoing a significant transition.
The right-back issue has been a subplot in City's wider defensive restructuring over the summer, alongside the ongoing Ruben Dias situation and the need to find a long-term partner for Josko Gvardiol in central defence, with Viana also monitoring Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite as a potential replacement for John Stones. Gusto's profile — athletic, energetic and comfortable in possession — aligns closely with the type of dynamic full-back Maresca typically requires in his system, having used the Frenchman extensively at Chelsea in a progressive role that required both defensive solidity and the ability to contribute in advanced areas. Chelsea's £45m valuation is not insignificant, especially given City's other significant financial commitments this summer. Whether Viana chooses to move forward with Gusto or switch to the apparently cheaper Livramento option will likely depend on how quickly negotiations on primary targets unfold; but the right-back position looks certain to be filled before Maresca's first pre-season, which begins next month.