Manchester City's summer rebuild under Enzo Maresca is underway, with the new manager keen to strengthen the right side of his defense.
City have relied on different solutions in that position, but Maresca appears to want a natural full-back who understands his possession-based system and can contribute in advanced areas.
A reunion with a player he previously coached at Stamford Bridge would reduce some of the usual adaptation risk.
However, convincing the defender to consider the move may prove much easier than reaching an agreement with Chelsea, who have little reason to strengthen a major Premier League rival without receiving a substantial fee.
The France international is reportedly the new City manager's leading target for the position and could be the subject of a formal move in the coming months.
Maresca's appointment was made on 29th June, and the Italian signed a three-year contract until 2029, returning for a third spell at the Etihad after previously coaching City's academy and working as Pep Guardiola's assistant.
Chelesa's £75m valuation of Malo Gusto is the biggest obstacle to the deal, with his contract also running until 2030.
Gusto would be a strong tactical fit for Maresca, with his quickness, energy, and comfort pushing forward making him well-suited to the manager's methods.
However, £75m would be an enormous investment for a right-back who has not always been Chelsea's automatic starter.
City should try to negotiate, but they should not pay an inflated fee simply because Maresca already knows the player.
