Man Utd & Man City in Gusto battle - Friday's gossip

Manchester United and Manchester City are engaged in a £75 million transfer battle for Chelsea defender Malo Gusto. The French right-back has fallen behind academy product Josh Acheampong in the Chelsea pecking order since head coach Xabi Alonso's arrival. Despite club captain Reece James being sidelined due to injury, Acheampong has increasingly been favored on the right side of the Chelsea backline.

Signed from Lyon for around £26 million in 2023, Gusto had been a regular starter with 144 appearances and three goals across all competitions before his current downturn. However, he has only started three of his seven top-flight games this season. His limited minutes have sparked speculation about his future, with both Manchester United and Manchester City closely monitoring his situation.

Manchester City had previously shown interest in securing Gusto during the summer transfer window, even exploring a potential move under the management of former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. However, financial restrictions resulting from ongoing regulatory proceedings related to their £900 million revenue inflation scandal may complicate City's pursuit of the defender.

Meanwhile, Manchester United is set to begin negotiations with new US boss Mauricio Pochettino, but the impending managerial change alongside City's legal battle leaves the outcome of any potential January transfer uncertain.