Enzo Maresca and Manchester City begin their raid on Chelsea, but immediately hit a stumbling block

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca
Manchester City's Enzo Maresca has his eye on some of his former Chelsea players (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca may have been dealt an early blow in his hopes to recruit some of his former Chelsea stars.

The Italian is looking to build a team that will reclaim the Premier League, with the trophy heading to Liverpool and Arsenal in the last two seasons.

While Maresca has desires to bring in talented stars that he knows from his previous job, it may prove more difficult than he would have originally hoped.

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City plotting move for Chelsea right back

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Malo Gusto of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Fulham FC at Stamford Bridge on January 13, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca wants to take Malo Gusto to Manchester City (Image credit: Getty Images)

The top of Maresca's shopping list is a move for defender Malo Gusto, but Chelsea don't seem to be in any mood to help out their former boss.

According to reports in The Athletic, the Blues have slapped a £75m price tag on the Frenchman.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Malo Gusto of Chelsea acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on February 17, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Chelsea want £75m for Malo Gusto (Image credit: Getty Images)

Man City view that price tag as prohibitively expensive, making a move for the full back unlikely for the time being.

Even the arrival of Italian right back Marco Palestra from Atalanta hasn't altered their stance.

Chelsea view their new acquisition as competition for places, rather than as a replacement for any outgoings.

This could force Man City to look elsewhere for a replacement, with Newcastle's Tino Livramento another long term target, but his injury record might dissuade them from pursuing that idea further.

Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento

Manchester City are long term admirers of Tino Livramento (Image credit: Getty Images)

Currently the first-choice right back option at the Etihad is Matheus Nunes, but Maresca would like more depth in that position.

Other options being assessed are Feyenoord's Givairo Read, a 20-year-old Dutchman, who is valued around £25m but would need time to adapt to the Premier League.

Another 20-year-old, Martim Fernandes from Porto, is being considered.

Ryan Gray
Freelance Writer

Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names. 

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